WELLINGTON RFC Vixens played second place Sidmouth Valkyries at home in their NC3 South West Central league encounter - and put up a splendid fight before losing 17-5.

Under near perfect weather conditions of sunny skies and a firm pitch, both sides took to the field looking to consolidate their league fortunes.

The Vixens won the toss and opted to play up the slope in the first half and kicked to Sidmouth. From the first whistle both sides threw everything into the game; the physicality of play was intense as both sides defended extremely well and numerous attacks were thwarted only metres from each other’s try lines.

The deadlock was broken in the 35th minute when Sidmouth managed to find space and scored wide out; the extras were missed. The half time whistle went seeing the score line stand at Wellington Vixens 0, Sidmouth Valkyries 5.

During the halftime break the Vixens re grouped and a number of changes were made, to give the whole squad playing time. The second half commenced seeing the Vixens go on the attack, putting a lot of pressure on the Sidmouth line.

It was during one such attack a Wellington pass was intercepted and against the run of play the Sidmouth centre tore away to score under the posts; the extras were added.

The Vixens held their composure and mounted a number of attacks which saw scrum half Natalie Anderson controlling play allowing the Vixens to work their way into the Sidmouth twenty-two. It was the turn of the Vixens forwards pack under the direction of No8 and captain Taylor Wetherall, orchestrating a number of pick and goes, which caused Sidmouth to give a penalty away five metres from their try line. Wetheralls ensuing quick tap and go saw her bulldozer over the white wash for the Vixens first score. The extras were missed.

This invigorated the Vixens and they mounted a number of attacks, but to Sidmouth’s credit their defence held out. The game then became an attritional arm wrestle with most the play see-sawing in the centre of the field with both sides defending well cancelling out offensive forays.

In the dying minutes of the game the Vixens conceded a number of penalties and Sidmouth capitalised on these errors to see the full back dart in wide out to score their third try. The extras were missed.

The final whistle went seeing high flying Sidmouth taking the honours, Wellington RFC Vixens 5, Sidmouth RFC Valkyries 17.

The Vixens coaches commented: This group of players have come a long way in their first league season. We are improving each game and to hold Sidmouth to 17 points is testament to the hard work they’re putting in at training. This week we will work hard on developing a number areas of play for our next league game. Congratulations to Sidmouth who are a very good team. It is always a pleasure to play and they deservedly go top of the league.

The Vixens most valuable player award went to captain Taylor Wetherall who had a fine game and played the whole match with a broken toe.

Back of the match was scrum half Natalie Anderson and the forward of the match was Hooker Ceinwyn Lock.

The Vixens are next in league action at home on Sunday, March 16, KO 2.30pm.

Hugh Barrett.