It was a first defeat in five matches for the first fifteen who gave their all at Ellingham & Ringwood but went down bravely 21-14 despite being ahead at half time with a narrow four point lead.
On Sunday The Colts were convincing winners in their Hampshire Bowl tie against Gosport and Fareham, cruising into the next round with a fine 33-10 victory at Rugby Camp. Well done to all the lads and the coaches who go into the next round and are having a great season.
The Valkyries second xv hosted Eastleigh ladies in National Championship 3 SE(S) where they had plenty of ball in the first half and ran in eight tries, five of them scored by centre Anne-Marie Tilley. Other tries came from second row Laura Gazzard, Prop Sian Owen and winger Luna Lewis. Sandy Newsham was named forward of the match for an absolutely storming display of ball carrying and tackling.
There was a bittersweet note as this was the last game of the season which saw the girls finish the league on the same points but in third place behind Trojans ii on points difference. Incidently the ladies have won their last six matches with bonus point victories, so the future of the Valks is looking bright. Also Sunday saw hooker Emma Chapman play her final game before retiring from rugby to concentrate on a wrestling career. Emma has been an invaluable member of the squad for eight years, she always puts a big shift in and has been an inspiration to the younger players in her role as vice captain this season. We wish her well in the future and thank her for her dedication to The Valkyries over the years.
