29/09/2026
*A Surprise At Sandal*
Crocs newly formed U16 girls team took on an experienced Sandal side on Sunday in what promised to be a tough opening fixture.
With just a handful of training sessions under their belt the Crocs girls were apprehensive about the challenge ahead. Thankfully the nerves soon disappeared and they produced a superb performance that belied their rugby union inexperience.
Crocs started brightly with strong carries from Imogen and Amie only for Sandal to turn the ball over after the girls forgot that they needed to ruck out the opposition players.
This was a harsh lesson as Sandal gradually worked their way to our try line and after multiple phases they went over for a 5 nil lead.
An early setback but Crocs response was impressive with Lexi Booth making the first of her many breaks to take us close to the try line. Good phase play saw Olivia Thomas power over for the teams first ever try. Conversions in the first half eluded us as Pete had hidden the kicking tee.
With confidence now built Crocs scored again almost immediately from the kick off as Imogen McLachlan shrugged off several defenders to put Crocs in the lead 10-5.
Lily Atkinson then went on a scything run only for Sandal to steal the ball and score a hard fought try and level the scores. 10-10
Gaz trundled under the posts and encouraged the girls to ruck harder and look after the ball more and his words inspired the girls. After some strong phase play by Elenya, Harriet and Gracie the backs released Lexi who danced round the defence to put Crocs back in the lead 15-10.
Izzy Cinders then scored a great solo try straight from the restart, stepping her way through before outpacing the cover.
HT 20-10 in favour of Crocs.
Crocs had started well but playing uphill into the wind in the 2nd half meant they had to improve to get the win.
The coaches expressed the need to retain the ball better and hit rucks harder to win the game.
Early in the half and Ava did her best Jammy impression by intercepting and racing the length of the field. 27-10 with Alesha converting after Aimie had found the tee.
Crocs confidence was now high and a barnstorming run from Harriet Senior and a great clear out from Elenya provided the space for Gracie to evade several tackles and dive over for a great team try. 34-10 after a fantastic Alesha conversion.
Eva and Valentina came on and had immediate impacts. Amie Deery was everywhere tackling, rucking and running hard. A strong carry from Eva was carried on by Grace Richardson who burst through on halfway and dispatched the attempted tackle of the terrified fullback for an impressive try. 39-10
Crocs were now playing with pace and power and Lily Atkinson was moving the ball quickly to her backs. A strong burst from Isla was carried on by Izzy Ball and only a high tackle could stop her from scoring. From the penalty Layla moved the ball to Lexi to score her second try. 44-10
More strong carries from Valentina, Eva and Elenya moved Crocs upfield. Maddie Kershaw in her first ever game of rugby made a great tackle and then carried strongly out of defence, taking Crocs up to halfway. Then Isla, now at centre made great metres before the ball was moved to Alesha who dived for the try line but was just short. Quick hands allowed Layla to squeeze over in the corner. 49-10
Alesha then made a superb run and reached the line only for the try to be incorrectly disallowed. Izzy then scored what looked like an amazing individual try only for her to lose the ball, like a white slipper, over the line.
The final play saw Sandals winger break down the touchline, she looked certain to score until Eva sprinted back to drag her down in the last play of the match. This epitomised the spirit the girls have got after just a few weeks together.
So many positives and so much room for improvement this could be an exciting season for the girls if they keep working hard.
49-10
Tries;
Olivia Thomas
Imogen McLachlan
Lexi Booth x 2
Izzy Kenyon
Ava Wainwright
Gracie Wilkinson
Grace Richardson
Layla Holden
Coaches Award - Eva Fletcher
Back of the match - Lexi Booth
Forward of the match - Amie Deery
