GRL stalwarts step up in a convincing nine-try victory
THE expected Guernsey Raiders Ladies league double over Ashford was duly secured in the grey dullness of a damp late February day.
Steve Evans’ side, missing Tanya Scholtz, their most dangerous and arguably most influential player, ran in six first-half tries yesterday at Footes Lane and then added three more in a stop-start, less-focused second period. The final score was 57-0.
GRL are a side in transition and the buzz is that this will continue in the short and mid term as many more academy graduates become eligible.
That, in itself, is a win by the coaching team who have not sat on the laurels of a string of Siam wins over the old enemy, and looked to bring through the next generation while at the same time introducing ever more young ladies to the game.
Last season it was young Lucy Pratt lighting up the development.
This season, with the blonde-haired back having headed off to uni, others have come in to either support or replace the old guard.
But stalwarts remain and vitally so.
Skipper Kristine Vavere, fullback Vicky Rang, back-rower Rachel Merrien and fly-half Justeen Baker, to name but four of the most influential, are keeping the ship steady while the girls learn the ropes.
On this occasion there were two tries apiece for Hannah Guilbert, Rang, Baker and Daisy Travers and one for Becky Ashworth. Aimee Le Bachelet added six conversions.
More in Monday's Guernsey Press.
