MATCH REPORT – Blaydon Red Kites 45 V Ryton 0
In the words of VB ‘What a day to be alive!’ Sunday 17th October the Red Kites made the short trip up the road to local rivals Ryton in an eagerly anticipated league clash. Previous games between the two have always been an exciting watch and this was no exception.
Red Kites kicked off starting on a slight uphill in the first half. A hanging kick from starting 10 Jo Gartland found the space KP needed to chase and retrieve the ball, after a strong run up the pitch she set the standard for the rest of the game.
The Red kites went through the phases and an unlucky knock on resulted in the first scrum of the game. Both packs were well matched and Ryton was in possession. They worked their way inside the Red kites 22 with some strong carries and there was a period of sustained pressure. The Red kites outstanding defence won them a turnover and the ball found itself in the hands of full back Toni Robinson who made a break up the left wing, a beautiful inside pass to captain Leah Greenwell who utilised the space working across the pitch offloading to Emily Bowman scoring the first try of the game under the sticks. Converted by Jo Gartland. 0-7
An injury after the restart welcomed Vice Captain Rachel best onto the pitch (you would never have guessed she completed a 10K that morning in record time!)
Strong running from Blaydon’s forwards punched holes in Ryton’s defence allowing Besty to ghost over the try line under the posts. Converted by Besty.
A few missed opportunities towards the end of the half lightened the mood as we saw Molly Harrison making a break for it up the touchline… despite putting a foot in touch and the referee red faced from blasting on his whistle multiple times she went for gold and scored the try anyways….. it wasn’t counted but the look on her face as she realised we were all watching was a delight!
However the award of the day award went to Emily Bowman for a kick that would have been fantastic had it managed to reach her boot! Coach Paul Foster couldn’t contain his laugh on the side line.
HALF TIME 0 – 14
Game play resumed with the Red kites now on the slight slope determined to keep their momentum built in the first half. They remained focused and with a few strong carries Molly found her second chance receiving the ball on the wing as she powered up the pitch to score her well deserved first try of the season much to everyone’s delight.
It wasn’t long before Molly was once again pelting down the wing taking an offload from Toni that Sonny Bill Williams would be proud of! Molly powered over the line taking 3 defenders with her and grounding the ball to score her second try. 0 – 24
With each try spurring the Red kites on they didn’t relax for a second… the next try came from Toni Robinson after some good link up play between the forward and backs. A strong run from Jolene Ellwood drew in defenders and Toni received the offload to the increase the score. Converted by Besty 0 – 31.
The game got underway again with a strong carry from Rosie Quinn taking out defenders and offloading to Leah Greenwell to slide in under the posts. Converted by Besty. 0 – 38.
The 7th and final try of the game was a result of a tasty pick and go from number 8 Kate Miller to offload to Emily who glided through under the posts. Converted by Besty.
FULL TIME 0 – 45
The score line didn’t quite reflect how difficult a game this was for the Red Kites and the fight Ryton put up right down to the final minute. We look forward to welcoming you down to Crow trees in the new year for the return fixture.
Ryton’s pick for player of the match went to KP
Blaydon’s forward of the match went to Jolene Ellwood and Back of the Match to Kayley Callan.
A fantastic effort for all of the Blaydon ladies for what is shaping up to be a very exciting season for them.
Huge thanks to everyone who took the time to come and support us on the side lines. We really appreciate it. 
