Women’s National Championships SE North 1 Woodbridge Amazons 20 Harlow 0 The Amazons ended their 2016/17 season with a heart-warming win over Essex rivals Harlow.

East Anglian Daily Times: Morven McAlpine touches down for Woodbridge AmazonsMorven McAlpine touches down for Woodbridge Amazons (Image: Archant)

Two unanswered tries in each half were just reward for an enterprising performance, particularly playing against a strong headwind in the opening period.

After soaking up early pressure, the Woodbridge ladies found their feet and the busy Rhian Claydon capped a fine move to open the scoring.

A break from the skipper Claire Brickley, on to Claydon advanced the hosts into Harlow’s 22 and after support play from Libby Stopard and Carmel Roisin, Claydon went in at the corner.

The visitors attempted to pin back their hosts, kicking on with a strong tail wind.

East Anglian Daily Times: Carmel Roisin breaks away to score for Woodbridge AmazonsCarmel Roisin breaks away to score for Woodbridge Amazons (Image: Archant)

Fullback Stacy Robinson was having none of it and returned each chip with gusto.

Pressure led to another score as the fierce line of Harlow’s defence was breached again.

Some quick-fire offloads caused havoc and scrum half Morven McAlpine was as surprised as the Harlow defenders when she was allowed to burst forward from 15 metres out before touching down.

Both conversions missed and halftime came with the score at 10-0.

East Anglian Daily Times: Beth Kinlan rumbles through for WoodbridgeBeth Kinlan rumbles through for Woodbridge (Image: Archant)

After the break it seemed the Amazons could sense victory, and an energetic, sometimes even frantic period led to errors in judgement and handling.

Leading from the front, it was Brickley that regained her side’s composure and a sprint from her from 25 metres or so out, effectively ended the contest.

Harlow’s attempts at slowing the ball down proved inadequate in the second half, but it wasn’t until the referee announced the final play that a fourth and final score secured a fine win.

Roisin broke free from the pack and outstripped the flagging defenders, bringing up the 20 point mark.

It was a fitting end to the match, and possibly more so because it highlighted the patient manner and fighting spirit that has developed since the current coaching staff took over.

It’s been a fine season, despite so many new faces arriving, and it really bodes well for a strong 17/18 campaign.