After a long wait, the league finally got underway with a trip to Redcar.

The girls were determined to bounce back after a frustrating end to pre-season but knew this would be anything but an easy game. With strong winds and an eager Redcar side waiting, Billingham set the tone from the start with high intensity and a huge work rate.
It took just a few minutes for the visitors to strike. Some great build-up play created space for Amy Ryan, who broke the line and powered her way over for the opening try. The wind made the conversion difficult, but Billingham had the perfect start. 0-5.

Redcar responded well, putting together some strong phases and forcing Billingham to work hard defensively inside their own 22. An excellent counter-ruck from McKenna Spowart turned the ball over before Sophie Brown’s quick thinking launched the Billingham attack. The ball was moved wide to debutant Katie Gibson, who confidently nudged a kick in behind the Redcar defence. Summer Kidson won the race to gather the ball and score Billingham’s second. 0-10.

Redcar again applied pressure, pinning Billingham close to their own try line, but some excellent defence from Abbie Walker forced the knock-on. Billingham took full advantage. Orla Trimble started the move before Sophie Harrison powered up field. A great offload released Neve Davison, who was stopped by some excellent cover defence, but Katie Gibson was on hand to take the offload and race over for a debut try! 0-15.

Redcar had already given Billingham plenty of warnings and this time made them pay. Strong running lines and determination opened the space out wide, allowing the hosts to score their first of the afternoon. 7-15.
The remainder of the half was a well-fought battle, with both sides producing some excellent rugby. With the final play, Redcar used the wind perfectly, kicking from their own 22 over the Billingham defence. After a great foot race, they recovered the ball under the posts and suddenly it was a one-point game at the break. HT: 14-15.

With the wind now in their favour, Billingham started the second half superbly.
Three quick tries from Neve Davison, McKenna Spowart and Ava Ridd gave the girls some much-needed breathing space and pushed the score out to 14-32.

Confidence was growing and Billingham began combining their relentless work rate with some excellent attacking shape. Orla Trimble found space and, using her pace and footwork, added another five points. 14-37.
From the restart, Billingham piled the pressure back on. Amy Ryan’s trademark hard running took her all the way to the line for her second try of the day, before she added the conversion herself. 14-44.

Redcar, who looked dangerous with ball in hand throughout, still weren't finished. Some great hands and support play created the space for their third try, with the successful conversion making it 21-44 before the referee brought an excellent game of rugby to a close.

Full Time: Redcar 21 - 44 Billingham

Backs Player of the Match: Katie Gibson
A fantastic Billingham debut. Excellent decision-making throughout, contributing an assist and scoring a debut try. Katie showed exactly how valuable she can be to the side this season.

Forward Player of the Match: Ava Ridd
A performance full of grit and determination. Ava worked tirelessly throughout and was rewarded with her second try of the season.

A special mention also goes to our other debutant, Isla Gilbraith. Congratulations on your first appearance in Billingham colours!

A fantastic game of rugby to open the league campaign, with both sides producing a performance they can be proud of. In the end, Billingham’s relentless effort and second-half performance proved too much for a strong and well-drilled Redcar side.
We wish Redcar all the best for the rest of the season.

NEXT UP
The league campaign continues as we welcome our neighbours Hartlepool to Greenwood Road!