Beccehamian 19 vs TWRUFC Ladies 1st XV 78

6th Apr 2025, KO 14:00

Beccehamian - Away

Live Text, Match Report & Information

Match Report

Thanet Wanderers Women’s 1st XV capped off a sensational season with a dominant 78-19 win away at Beccehamians, sealing their final game with another attacking masterclass and a demonstration of strength, depth, and discipline.

Thanet kicked off and made an immediate impact, forcing Beccehamians onto the back foot with a high line-speed defensive wall. Despite losing Vicky Flower early to an ankle injury, the squad didn’t falter. Rebecca Hewitt stole possession, and Rachael Austerberry opened the scoring by carving through the defence to touch down under the posts. Alexandra White slotted the first of her seven successful conversions.

Momentum built quickly. The backs were electric—Tabs Raymonde, Amy Fowler, and Chloe Siddall linked up beautifully to push deep into opposition territory. Thanet’s dominance at scrum time laid the platform for their attacking game, with Hollie Callaghan steaming down the wing. After strong carries from Sorcha Maddison and Emily Williams, the ball was whipped wide once more, and Rachael Austerberry dotted down under the posts for her second.

A moment of brilliance followed when Rachael Austerberry picked up the ball near Thanet’s own 10-metre line and sprinted the length of the pitch, outpacing the defenders to score her hat-trick before half-time. Tries then followed from Gee Cordell and a fourth from Austerberry, before Neave Evans powered through with defenders on her shoulders to finish another stunning team effort.

The backs executed set plays with finesse, while the forwards provided clean ball and relentless physicality at every breakdown. Debutant Rezija Bielija impressed with her strong physical presence and efficient ball-handling.

By the break, Thanet had stormed into a 38-7 lead, with Beccehamians’ only score coming from a long-range effort by their winger.

The second half brought more of the same intensity. With the arrival of Rebecca Dixon and Megan Bish onto the field, Thanet picked up right where they left off.

Maria Castellina powered over from close range early in the half, and moments later, she crossed again following relentless phases from the forwards and slick hands out wide.

Still relentless, Rachael Austerberry added her fifth try of the game—sidestepping and surging through the line with confidence. Thanet’s forwards and backs worked seamlessly together; Georgia Elks, Tabs Raymonde, Neave Evans, Rebecca Hewitt and Brioni Reah all made heavy yard gains and put in outstanding work at the breakdown.

Further tries came from Tabs Raymonde, finishing determinedly out wide, and another from Austerberry—bringing her tally to six in an incredible individual performance, supported all the way by brilliant team play.

Kat Stuart then crossed the whitewash after a flowing move involving Tabs Raymonde and Maria Castellina. Alexandra White coolly slotted the final conversion to cap off a stellar day with the boot. Though Beccehamians struck late with a converted try, it was merely a consolation.

Despite the scoreline, Beccehamians battled hard and were rewarded with three well-earned tries. They provided fierce competition and kept Thanet sharp right until the final whistle.

Post-match, Captain Gee Cordell shared heartfelt words reflecting on the team’s journey this season:

"Always proud of the team. We’ve been working hard in training, and today we delivered everything we set out to do. We looked like a strong, structured side out there and finished the season on a high. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come—everyone gave it their all. Well done, ladies."

Players of the Match
In the forwards, Georgia Elks stood out for her powerful carries and dominant presence in the scrums. Among the backs, Alexandra White earned recognition for leading the game with precision and composure, just as she has done all season.

There was a special mention for Rezija Bielija, who made her debut in the blue and gold, and a heartfelt thank you to Head Coach Lodgey:

"A massive thank you to Lodgey, our head coach, who has been incredible throughout. We wouldn’t be where we are without you."

Gee closed with a message of gratitude and pride:

"What a way to end the season. Huge thanks to Beccehamians for hosting us and pushing us to the limit. It was a cracking match to wrap things up. Not a bad way to finish the season—here’s to all the hard work, team spirit, and unforgettable moments."

Starting XV: Emily Williams, Hollie Callaghan, Rebecca Hewitt, Sorcha Maddison, Vicky Flower, Neave Evans, Gee Cordell (capt), Georgia Elks, Maria Castellina, Alexandra White, Kat Stuart, Rachael Austerberry, Tabs Raymonde, Amy Fowler, Chloe Siddal.

Finishers: Brioni Reah, Rezija Bielija, Rebecca Dixon, Megan Bish