Welcome to NC1!

The Horsham Ladies First XV ran out on to a soggy pitch at Guildford this Sunday to face the Gazelles for their first league game of the season. This was the Horsham Ladies first match since their promotion in to the NC1 league.

The Gazelles started fast and strong, initially overwhelming the Horsham side with some huge tackles and fast hands. Forced back by the speed of the Gazelles, Horsham conceded a first try after 10 minutes. While Horsham initially looked tentative, they pulled together quickly and worked incredibly hard in defence. There was some fantastic spirit showed by the Horsham Ladies, with young forwards Teagen Williams and Ella Earl particularly impressive with both tackles and carries. Despite playing with real passion, gaining possession and gaining space in to Guildford's territory on several occasions, Horsham couldn't quite connect with the back line. By half time, the Gazelles were 21 - 0 up.

The ladies came out with more aggression and confidence in the second half, working hard to hold Guildford back. Eventually the hard work paid off when Yasmin Wilson broke the line, surprising the Gazelles, and running over half the length of the pitch for a try.

Sadly this wasn't to be our day, and despite some impressive individual performances, the team were outmatched on this occasion by an experienced Guildford side that had until this season, been playing in the league above.

A tough game, but the Horsham Ladies will have learned a huge amount from the encounter and are looking forward to welcoming Guildford to Coolhurst later in the season.

Forward of the match - Ella Earl
Back of the match - Georgia Pearce