A return of nice autumn weather for the rematch against Sheffield, a nice change from the dreadful conditions against the RAF the previous week. Unfortunately for RI Sheffield picked up where they left off in the first match with a try within the first few minutes, a strong run from the big number 8 for an unconverted try out wide. RI hit back straight away though, a good run from the industrious Jenny Harvey making good field position and Kate finishing the move from short range a few phases later. 5-5 and RI were back in it.
Sheffield's strong forwards made good ground again and were rewarded with a try following a tackle busting run for a score near the posts, 5-12. RI's fowards were really struggling to contain their opposition but weren't guilty of a lack of effort. Sheffield's superiority in the set piece told with a try from a scrum pushed over the line making the half time score 5-17.
The second half again saw a good scrum give Sheffield's backs space to put together some good passing to create an overlap for their right winger to score in the corner. Their forwards then scored themselves in the same corner with a drive over from short range. RI got themselves back onto the scoreboard as a few good passes created a bit of room for Ruth Laybourn to get up to full pace and round the defence for one of her specials. Ruth's conversion brought the score back to 12-27 and RI had a chance.
Sheffield hadn't read the RI fairytale finish script though and finished the game with 2 further tries to take the score to 12-37. A bruising match and one RI will want to forget. Congrats to Sheffield on a very strong performance.