The Kilburn Ladies battled gamely but lost a tough encounter, 42-5, with local rivals Hampstead on Sunday at Hampstead Heath. For long periods of the game Kilburn matched it with Hampstead but soft tries at the start and a few lapses in concentration blew any chance of a Kilburn victory. 

From the kickoff Hampstead looked the more organised and committed team and they posted two quick run away tries before Kilburn woke up and started to play. When Kilburn started to make their tackles and retain possession they competed well with the more experienced Hampstead side. For long periods the game was very even with committed defence from both sides keeping play in the middle of the paddock. Kilburns scrum, led by Huia McKenzie, put a lot of pressure on Hampstead and when the ball came out to centres Kaye Smale and Ariana Ropiha Kilburn looked dangerous.

However Hampstead had the advantage in the rucks and mauls and made many brilliant turnovers at the tackle where they showed more urgency than Kilburn in getting players to the ball. From these turnovers Hampstead used their speed in the backs to score a number of tries and take the game away from Kilburn.

Kilburns only try game after a good run from fly-half Karen Aikenhead, who put Ariana Ropiha into space with a great pass to run away for her fourth try of the season.. 

Hampstead were definitely the better team on the day but the score should have been a lot closer if Kilburn had started with the committed attitude they showed in the last 3 quarters of the game. 

Kaye Smales, in her second game after a long break away from the game, was outstanding at centre, putting in some massive hits and strong runs and thoroughly deserved her player of the match award. Trudy Mylrea, who has been hugely missed during her holiday in OZ, was a powerhouse as usual in the forwards – making the big tackles and taking the ball up strongly all game while new girl, Sofia from Sweden, had an extremely good first game for Kilburn with several storming runs.

Overall the entire team lifted their game from the previous match against Millwall but Hampstead showed the level Kilburn need to reach to stay in contention with the top teams in the league. Thanks also to the supporters (Grandad McNaughtan, Ryan Hickey and family, and the various husbands) who came along to cheer on the Cosmos.

The girls take on Hitchin this Saturday in a friendly at Wormwood Scrubs as part of club day and on the 9th of December play Hitchin again in an official league match and will be looking to post their 2nd league victory.