Recent storms continue to play havoc with pitches, as Sunday’s away fixture had to be moved last minute from Cheltenham (pitch underwater!) to a few miles down the road at Gloucester Old Boys, where the ground was playable but still suffering itself from overuse and boggy conditions. Looking at the ground before kick-off, it was clear that pace and keeping footing could be an issue in all the mud, so being clinical to retain possession would be critical. Travelling with 14 including a couple on Belles debut (very different from the full squad numbers who comfortably won at home against Cheltenham earlier in the season) it was set to be a challenging match.

Cheltenham, winning the toss, elected to start facing slightly downhill and were resolved to use the downhill advantage to their utmost for the half, as the bulk of the pressure in the first 10 came from Cheltenham, who pushed the Belles attacking line back in the Belles half, before managing to turnover and looking dangerous with a great kick gaining them a lineout deep in the Belles 22. Everyone on the pitch had a bit of light relief here though, as the kick was so good that the match ball floated off down the stream next to the pitch, with attempts to hook it out over the next few minutes proving fruitless! Thankfully another match ball was produced and play resumed, the Belles switching themselves on to strongly defend against some fantastic hands and attacking lines from the Cheltenham 10-12-13 combo. Frustrated at being pushed back, Cheltenham went for a crossfield kick which was looking for their winger but overshot and the Belles had the pressure eased with going for a restart on the 22. From the restart, the Belles piled on the pressure and pressed up the pitch, putting in some great tackles to win back possession, with Cheltenham holding on awarding a penalty. Cheltenham defended well, keeping the game locked outside their 22 for a few minutes. Finally, after a run of good phases, Keeli Wood broke through the gain line – shaking off a couple of tackles, she surged forward form the 22 dive down under the posts. Well-placed for her own conversion to maximise the first points of the game. 0-7.

Cheltenham were able to get on the attack from the restart, using their kicking game to gain some territory and focussing on winning back possession. This they did, and after some good lines again from that back line, the Cheltenham 10 looped wide and, skirting touch, managed to get past a slightly disorganised Belles defence. Despite a strong chase and being tackled just past the try line, she was able to ground the ball just behind the posts. Easy conversion again, 7-7

All even again, the Belles switched on to press up from the kick off and re-establish their structure. Cheltenham again had a go with their kicking game to gain territory, but good chases back from scrum-half (and fullback!) Siobhan Cummings secured Belles possession and they were able to turn on a strong offensive. Pushing up half the pitch the Belles looked dominant, until a couple of mistakes turned the ball back over. This then became an opportunity for Wood as she took advantage of a flat attacking line from Cheltenham to perform a beautiful intercept. With 3 Cheltenham players coming in to bring her down, she popped off to Sarah Wright, who ran a threatening line that drew in several Cheltenham players. A well-timed offload to Captain Lisa Craddock put her into space just at the 22 - dodging the last couple of defenders, Craddock dived over the try line just next to the posts for another comfortable conversion from Wood.

HT: 7-14.

Belles kicked off the second half and Cheltenham were hungry to respond to the Belles dominance before half time, with a few pairs of fresh legs on after injuries, they were able to press up the pitch and put a bit of pressure back on the Belles. The Belles lost a bit of the composure they’d had for the rest of the game and when some Belles supporters loudly challenged the ball not being called in touch, a scrum to Cheltenham was awarded at the edge of the 22, showing the application of the newer zero tolerance approach to dissent! From this scrum, Cheltenham perked up and used some lovely hands across the backs to find a couple of gaps and with some added confusion of a Cheltenham player going down with a head injury in the process, several players thought play had been stopped – a lesson in playing to the whistle that was taught the hard way with Cheltenham using the overlap to even the score. Converted, 14-14.

Some tough love during the conversion spurred the Belles into action and they resolved to take full advantage of that slight downhill slope, chasing down immediately from the kick off and putting the pressure on Cheltenham. Very quickly, Wood took advantage of some slow Cheltenham support and turned over to Belles possession, going solo (with support had she needed it) to step the Cheltenham defence and dot down centrally for another good self-conversion from Wood. 14-21

Getting back into their rhythm, Belles had to be a little patient and defend well from the restart – clearly Cheltenham had had the same fire lit under them at the last try and were keen to level up again. Play centred toward the middle of the pitch, with both teams turning over but without too much ground being made. Off the back of a solid turnover the Belles set up well - some beautiful phase play directed by Cummings at 9 saw Lizzie Shorthouse (debut) break the gainline. This strong carry opened up space for some fast hands out wide, finding Cummings who’d anticipated the space, looped round and took the ball at pace to charge down the wing, well out of reach of any chasing Cheltenham players. Brought round to ground near the posts ensure Wood’s perfect kicking record for the day remained intact. 14-28

Still 15 to go after this, the Belles were hungry to extend their lead and worked to set up several other opportunities, including a break from Craddock that almost got there again before being brought down at the 5 and transferred into Cheltenham’s possession. After a Cheltenham scrum, a fast challenge from the Belles though and Cheltenham got a penalty against them for holding on, this was quickly taken by Wood and pulled out wide by Heather Barnes, with a great ball to Daisy Crabtree on the wing, who dived over the try line looking for her first Belles try, with a slight spill. Linesman thought it grounded, but the ref ruled no downward pressure and immediately blew the final whistle – amazing effort Daisy, so close!

FT – Cheltenham Civil Service 14 – Banbury Belles 28

Fantastic perseverance from the Belles, travelling with 14 including 2 on debut and everyone playing out of position, most cycling through several over the course of the match across forwards and backs! The Belles' spirit of supporting each other to have an enjoyable match and give each other 100% secured them a great win on the road.

Forward of the match: Sarah Wright – some fantastic carries, an assist, and directing brand new player Lizzie to be in the right place at the right time!

Back of the match: Siobhan Cummings – playing as 9 and 15, everywhere on the pitch and a great break for her try!