FERNS PRODUCE BRAVE DISPLAY IN NARROW DEFEAT TO BRITISH ARMY

The Golden Ferns produced a spirited and courageous performance on Saturday afternoon but were narrowly beaten 32-26 by the British Army Women in scorching conditions at the Army Stadium, Aldershot. With temperatures reaching around 30°C, and both squads impacted by player availability, the teams agreed to play 9-a-side, with the match split into three 15-minute periods and hydration breaks after each.

The Ferns travelled with a squad packed with forwards and were delighted to welcome three debutants making both their Golden Ferns and rugby league debuts. Cat John (Hornets), alongside Tilly Harris and Chazza Walker (both University of Bath), all stepped seamlessly into the side, producing outstanding performances throughout the afternoon and looking right at home in the league game.

The Army kicked the game off, but it was the Ferns who struck first. Skipper Chloe Fletcher crossed for the opening try, with Vicky Mansell producing an excellent touchline conversion to give the visitors an early 6-0 lead. The Army responded with a converted try of their own before Fletcher powered over again for her second, although this time the conversion drifted wide. The hosts then replied with a try under the posts to edge into a 12-10 lead at the first hydration break.

Throughout the opening period, Ebony Templar laid the platform with a series of powerful carries, consistently bending the defensive line and helping the Ferns gain valuable momentum through the middle.

The second period began perfectly for the visitors as Mansell’s superb kick-off found touch, allowing the Ferns to regain possession immediately. However, it was the Army who capitalised next with another converted try to extend their advantage. Refusing to let the game slip away, Fletcher completed her hat-trick after some determined attacking play, with Mansell again adding the extras. The Army, however, had the final say of the period, scoring an unconverted try on the hooter to take a 22-16 lead into the second hydration break. Kat Hyland was immense throughout the middle stages, producing a huge work rate in both attack and defence, making countless tackles and carries to keep the Ferns firmly in the contest.

By the final period, the relentless heat had clearly taken its toll on both sides, with every player digging deep. The Army opened the scoring with a converted try before Abbey Constable responded in trademark fashion, barging her way over from close range. Mansell maintained her excellent afternoon with another successful conversion to reduce the deficit once more. With the Ferns pushing hard to level the scores, a missed tackle unfortunately allowed the Army to race away for another converted try, giving the hosts a two-score cushion.

Late in the contest, emotions briefly boiled over as sisters Daisy and Harriet Pearce-Lyons became involved in some handbags with their opposite numbers. It was great to see both sisters immediately backing one another, having already produced superb defensive displays with huge tackle counts throughout the afternoon.

The Ferns refused to give in and had the final word when Fletcher crossed for her fourth try and the team’s fifth of the day. Sarah Humphries was narrowly off target with the difficult touchline conversion, leaving the final score at 32-26 in favour of the British Army.

Coaches John Gould and Alex Chown selected skipper Chloe Fletcher as the Golden Ferns Player of the Match after a phenomenal four-try display, while the British Army chose Abbey Constable as their opposition Player of the Match following another tireless and powerful performance.

A huge thank you goes to the British Army Women for their fantastic hospitality after the game, providing food and refreshments and giving both teams the opportunity to relax, socialise and enjoy the sunshine together before the Ferns faced the long journey home.

Attention now turns to this Sunday’s home fixture against Brentwood Eels. Victory will secure the Golden Ferns a place in the Cup Final the following weekend, where they would earn an exciting rematch against the British Army Women—this time under the full 13-a-side format.

Despite the result, the Ferns can take enormous pride from an outstanding team effort in incredibly demanding conditions, with experienced players and debutants alike producing performances full of courage, resilience and determination.

John Gould

Head Coach