This was the women’s First Shield game of the campaign and travel issues meant that several of the players were delayed on enroute. The hosts and referee kindly delayed KO until 2.30pm, but even that left the women with only 15-20 minutes warm up, which is not an ideal start.
The conditions were cold and wet, with a persistent drizzle which made for tricky handling throughout the game for both teams. This meant that scrums were a regular occurrence throughout the whole match and full credit should go to the Craig Dunain pack for their continued strength in this area, both in this fixture and throughout the season. With only 1 super sub for the squad versus Greenock’s full 7, they, as well as the whole team certainly put in a full shift and more . The squad welcomed back two players for the first time this season, Erin Green and Jodie Dunnet and they were certainly thrown right back into it and duly embraced the challenge.
Greenock started the brighter and soon scored. This was followed by a controversial penalty try leaving the score at 17-0 to the hosts. Craig Dunain needed to regroup and focus on the task in hand. They managed to get some good possession and make their way up the field. Unfortunately, errors meant that ball was lost and Greenock rightly exploited their advantage and scored again. Craig Dunain’s play continued to improve but unfortunately, another score before half time saw ICD down 24-0.
An encouraging and positive team talk at half time by the coach and captain saw a more upbeat and positive start to the second half from the women and their attacking play and defence improved massively. Playing to our strengths, the women focused and started to earn increasing time in possession and this was finally rewarded when Captain Hannah Chisholm broke through to score.
Unfortunately, we lost a key player to concussion and later in the half went down to 14 and uncontested scrums as one of our two props had to leave the field with an injury.
Greenock managed to score two further tries leaving the final score at 36-5
Despite this disappointing start to the shield campaign, there were no complaints as Greenock were the better team on the day. However, our grit, determination, resilience and fitness to keep going with no real respite against such strong opposition was impressive. Credit must also be given to young Madison Clay-Shewan who stepped up into scrum half position for the first time and did an amazing job. She certainly felt the difference afterwards physically from her usual position on the wing!
Every player gave their all for each other in the game and that is what makes us a team. Can’t ask for any more.
It was one of those games, that although you didn’t win, the atmosphere on the pitch was always fiercely competitive but never unpleasant and the warm welcome and fantastic hospitality from Greenock was brilliant. Also, worth mentioning that they had the best facilities for women we have encountered in our travels. Top notch Greenock and we wish you well for the remainder of the Shield campaign.
ICD Forward of the Match: Docherty Mo
ICD Back of the Match: Madison Clay-Shewan
DOTD: Kirsty Gray
Player of the match (as picked by Greenock): Hannah Chisholm