WHO asked for rain? Since the season started the ground has been like concrete. Now we have the opposite extreme, and a cold wind to go with it!

Several key Tewkesbury ladies were unwell or injured for Sunday's friendly against St Mary's, while others played out of position, so it was good to see the team gelling together.

Tewkesbury, as usual, started slowly, but did manage to secure most of the possession and spent the majority of the half in St Mary's territory.

It was unfortunate more points weren't scored to show for all the pressure, but credit to St Mary's, they tackled well at some very crucial moments.

Eventually, patience paid off and, with strong close support work from the forwards, Julie Davies pushed her way through to score the first try.

The second was mainly thanks to the wet conditions. After several fumbles from both sides, Laura Joslin capitalised picking up the loose ball and scoring in the corner to make it 10-5 at the interval.

Tewkesbury picked up speed and played closer to each other. They started to take more control drawing the opposition and passing the ball well which brought three more tries courtesy of a brace for winger Hazel Griffiths and a second for Joslin.

There was one conversion from Jo Danter in a final scoreline of 27-10.

This weekend, the ladies face a long journey to Cambridge for a league fixture.

Tewkesbury train every Wednesday at 6.45 pm. New players are always welcome, contact Sarah Siddall or Anna Garrott at the club on 01684 294364.