Match Report

An exceptional 11-try display was spearheaded by an incredible four-try masterclass from outside centre Bronwyn Miller. While the attack stole the headlines, it was a relentless work rate and iron-clad defensive foundation that set the tone for a spectacular afternoon of rugby.

Portsmouth wasted no time asserting their authority away from home. Full-back Maria Jerabek opened the floodgates just four minutes in with a sharp, incisive run to claim the opening try. Skipper Emily Hare quickly added a penalty goal to keep the scoreboard pressure mounting.

The Valkyries backline looked dangerous with every possession. Bronwyn Miller crossed for her first of the afternoon, followed closely by Jerabek bagging her brace. Vice-captain Chloe Edwards then sliced through the defensive line to score before the half-hour mark.

A yellow card to Captain Emily Hare in the 36th minute gave Worthing a brief player advantage, but Portsmouth’s defensive resolve held firm. Just before the interval, impact substitute Georgie Harris capitalized on a late opportunity to score, sending the Valkyries into half-time with a commanding 32-0 lead.

The visitors restarted with blistering pace as Bronwyn Miller crossed the whitewash twice in the opening minutes of the half to secure her hat-trick.

Worthing refused to capitulate and launched a fantastic spell of sustained offensive pressure, yielding a converted try in the 48th minute.

Portsmouth quickly steadied themselves. Prop Emily Joss powered over the line from close range, with Edwards adding the extras. A yellow card to Miller briefly reduced Portsmouth to 14 players once again, but the squad depth shone through as winger Luna Lewis and substitute Keira Essam both touched down late on.

Fittingly, after returning to the field, Bronwyn Miller put the final stamp on a fine performance by diving over for her fourth try deep into stoppage time. Hare split the uprights one final time to seal a clinical 70-7 victory on the road.

Reflecting on the comprehensive victory, player-coach Keeta Rowlands was full of praise for the squad’s cohesion and effort:

“What a performance from the team today! They did exactly what was asked of them and it showed. The defence was excellent, the work rate off the ball was superb, and they consistently put in the hard work for each other.”

Player Awards

Following the stellar performance on the road, today’s standout individuals:

• Forward of the Match – Ashleigh Maslen: Awarded for her relentless work rate both on and off the ball, as well as her fantastic versatility in stepping up and moving into the Front Row to anchor the pack.
• Back of the Match – Megan Wright: Recognised for a brilliant tactical performance, playing out of her usual comfort zone in a slightly less familiar position but executing the pre-game game plan to absolute perfection.
  
  

The Valkyries now shift their focus back to home turf as they look forward to welcoming Guernsey Women to Rugby Camp next SATURDAY (7 Nov) for our next league game. Ahead of the match, the club will be hosting the first-ever Valkyries League Lunch. It is not too late to book your place, so make sure to secure your place now and get down to support the team as they look to carry this incredible momentum into next weekend!