24/10/10 - Vixens v Ripley.

The morning of the team’s away game had arrived, excitedly they met at the club house, some took the option of getting a pre-game bacon sandwich as they waited, using the ‘bananas just don‘t taste right with brown sauce‘ excuse.  Eager to get there, the group left.  Not all in one vehicle but together they left the Woodlands and went on their merry way.   The sun shining, wind a bit nippy but all in all a good day for playing.

A good day for half of the team that is…kick-off time had arrived but only half of the Vixens had made it. The other half were playing - Spot the RAC man!  Mechanical malfunction meant that the day was over for those going nowhere on the not-so-fun-bus.  However, back in sunny ole Ripley, 8 girls had made it, had done their warm-up, had their boots on and a ref was to hand, only one thing for it they said - ‘GAME ON!’  Ripley 7s v Vixens (friendly) 7s - 2 x 30 minute halves.  With Ed (coach) and Parky (Team Liaison) doubling up as the away supporters.  

Back in Ripley, both teams played wanting a win and so gave it their all.  The Vixens, mostly all playing out of their usual positions put up a good fight,  however, Ripley the stronger side, were able to secure a home win 19-5.



The Vixens although not victorious had a great game and were still smiling as they came off the pitch.   They joined the Rhinos and enjoyed a well earned drink and post-match meal. It has to be said the girls were highly amused by their meal, and have voted it the best post-game grub so far.…Smiley Faces with sausages and beans J

30/10/10 - Hubble, bubble, here comes trouble! Halloween eve - a great time was had by all the Vixens who attended the Vandals’ Halloween Party.  The main Facebook topic that week was costumes; like kids going to Disney World! Although coming 2nd (out of 2) in the eating completion, one of the girls did walk away with a prize. Louise Threlfall - Well done you little devil on best costume.

31/10/10 -  Vixens v Scunthorpe - maybe a slightly tired Vixens’ team appeared on Sunday morning  (although all deny they partied too hard at the Halloween party) and this allowed their opposition to make better use of their set pieces, in particular the maul; with Scunthorpe using it advantageously to push back the Vixens into their own half and scoring from a driving maul on at least 3 occasions.  If any of the Vixens started the game lacking in experience of the maul, they’d had the chance to gain plenty of it by the time the final whistle blew.

For the Vixens winning possession was proving to be a hard, they were able to put the pressure on when they were mid pitch but Scunthorpe made full use of space created by a poor defensive line. This isn‘t to say that the Vixens didn‘t make some hard hits, they performed well in the scrums and there were plenty of good tackles.  On the  occasions the Vixens did win possession they were quick to pass along their lines and make a break but they were stopped just short of the try line. They kept their heads up and put a great effort into the game, however they were just not able to cash in on any of it.  0-70   Captain Andrea Wensley had this to say the next day.  ‘The score may show a bit of a 'whitewash' but all the Vixens have been able to take some positives from the game, such as good commitment to the tackles and a strong scrum against a team much bigger than ourselves. The negatives will give us all something to work on and improve before the next game. Thanks again to all the supporters that turned out to cheers us on its very much appreciated’

7/11/10 - Lancashire Women v Yorkshire Women - three of the Vixens were part of the squad that travelled to Barnsley.  With Alicia and Carly both having game time.  Alicia started, with Carly joining her for the 2nd half.  Victoria was happy to keep her team-mates hydrated.  It was a great day at Barnsley for Club Lancashire with all three of the ladies teams winning, U15s, U18s and the final game of the day, the women’s, final score 30-17.     


l-r Alicia Kuhn, Victoria Calder, Carly Falcon

14/11/10 - Derby v Vixens

The Vixens kicked off with Kat Nockolds taking the catch and giving the Vixens possession well within Derby’s 22.  However, support was slow to get to her and possession went to Derby, Support for the ball carrier by the Vixens was at times lacking, meaning possession was short lived, however support was much better for the second half as the team started to gel, causing Derby to make mistakes and give away possession on numerous occasions.   An area where the Vixens were showing strength was in the scrum area, with a good solid pack keeping ground and going forward.  When defending, the Vixens’ scrum-half was very effective at slowing down her opposite number, taking possession and getting the ball out to her team however, getting the ball out wide was an area the Vixens were struggling with and during the match they never really had the chance to attack the Derby try line that way.  Derby, when on the attack were able to find holes in the Vixens lines, with Derby’s forwards getting the ball out along the line; giving their wingers plenty of space out wide to make use of.  Derby’s 11 and 13 were responsible for quite a few of their team‘s points.  That’s not to say Derby weren‘t made to work for their points, there were some great defensive runs and tackles made by the Vixens, with Hayley Needes making one of the best tackles of the day! There were also some great phases of play from the Vixens where they worked as a unit to gain ground.    

After each reset the Vixens battled hard to maintain possession,  The team worked hard for each other, maximum effort and intent.  Unfortunately the Derby Vipers were the better oiled machine, they took the win 42-0.  (35-0 if you discount the Derby try that was blatantly dropped from head height before being grounded :0)






Captain Vicky Calder although obviously disappointed not to have a win was very pleased with her teams’ performance. ..‘the girls worked as team today, they were playing 12s which is not something they are used to and they rose to the challenge, there were some definite improvements made since the last game and I believe this game has made the team stronger and even more passionate about their rugby. The team didn’t make it easy for Derby and it was a great game for the Vixens to experience;  it can only help to make us even better for the next match.  

The Vixen