Canvey Island 0 vs TWRUFC Ladies 2nd XV 47

2nd Feb 2025, KO 14:00

Canvey Island - Away

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Match Report

Dominant performance sees Wanderers secure emphatic victory

Thanet Wanderers 2XV travelled to Medway expecting an Inner Warrior League triangular fixture with the hosts and Canvey Valkyries. However, with Medway only able to field six players, these were split between Thanet and Canvey, turning the game into a 13-a-side fixture played across three 20-minute thirds.

First Third

Thanet kicked off, and Canvey launched an early attack, but solid defensive work and a strong scrum win quickly shifted momentum. A brilliant break from Lia saw her score under the posts, though the conversion struck the bar.

Minutes later, Thanet’s communication and width were effective, with Rebecca breaking through seven tackles before being brought down. Lia made good ground, supported by strong scrums and well-executed lineouts, with Sian carrying powerfully into contact. Thanet’s dominance continued as Tabitha dipped and weaved through four defenders, scoring under the posts.

The defensive work remained strong, with solid tackles and well-organised scrums helping Thanet to regain possession. Quick hands from the backs created space out wide, allowing Thahseen - formerly of Thanet - to finish a flowing attack on the wing, with Tabitha adding the conversion.

Thanet finished the first period 22-0 ahead, showing a strong balance of attack and defence.

Second Third

After a quick break Thanet took to the field with renewed energy. With fresh legs coming on, the team looked to maintain their dominance. Canvey kicked off the second third, but a knock-on led to a scrum. Thanet’s pack put in a strong drive, contesting well, but the ball came out quickly for Canvey. A powerful hit from Tabitha halted their momentum, and moments later, Lia put in a key tackle to force a knock-on, handing possession back to Thanet.

From the scrum, Thanet secured clean ball and moved it quickly through the hands. A well-placed kick from Tabitha sent the ball deep into Canvey’s territory, bouncing perfectly for Lia, who timed her run superbly to sprint through the defence and ground the ball under the posts.

The restart was scrappy, but Thanet reacted quickly, regaining possession through strong work at the breakdown. The forwards provided a solid platform, with Helen making key tackles and carrying powerfully, consistently driving the team forward. Thanet’s dominance in the scrum and at the rucks allowed the backs to keep the momentum going, and Lia capitalised again, breaking through the defensive line to touch down for her second try of the third

With Thanet in full control, the forwards kept up their relentless work, contesting every breakdown and forcing turnovers. Vicky powered over in the corner after a well-structured attacking phase, rewarding the pack’s efforts. Thanet continued to pile on the pressure, and with the defence stretched, Tabitha spotted a gap, darting through to claim her third try of the game. As the whistle blew for the final third, Thanet held a commanding 42-0 lead, with both the forwards and backs combining brilliantly to keep the team on the front foot.

Final Third

With further changes made, Thanet maintained their dominance, showing no signs of slowing down. The forwards continued to work tirelessly, securing possession and keeping the pressure on Canvey. Helen put in a relentless shift, consistently getting onto the ball, making powerful carries, and putting in crucial tackles to disrupt Canvey’s attack. The defensive line held strong, with well-timed tackles and aggressive counter-rucking preventing the opposition from gaining any real ground.

Rebecca, who had been a standout throughout the game, was constantly in the right place at the right time, working across the pitch and driving play forward. After a period of sustained pressure and quick recycling from the breakdown, Thanet were awarded a penalty. A quick tap-and-go saw the ball passed to Rebecca, who powered through the defensive line to score Thanet’s final try, sealing a dominant performance

Canvey fought to respond, but Thanet’s defensive structure remained solid, forcing handling errors and turnovers. The backs worked well to clear danger, with quick hands and intelligent kicking keeping Canvey pinned in their own half. As the final whistle blew, Thanet celebrated a 47-0 victory—an emphatic display of teamwork, determination, and attacking flair

Post-Match Reactions

Captain Vicky and the coaches praised the team’s work ethic, confidence, and attacking play. The referee called it "the most impressive display of running rugby" he had seen.