From the kick-off, the play was evenly contested, with both sides having short passages of possession but gaining no significant advantage. The home side managed to break through for the opening try after 6 minutes and quickly followed this up with a second try after 9 minutes, bringing the score to 10–0. Cambridge, at this stage, were playing with more intensity than the Vixens, moving the ball quicker and approaching the breakdown with greater urgency.

Although Bury were gradually starting to find their feet after a sluggish start, Cambridge moved further ahead with another try, this time converted, to bring the score to an ominous 17–0 after just 14 minutes.

Finally, after 18 minutes, Bury opened their account. Their first try followed their best period of play, showing greater energy and pushing the home side into their half. Kaitlyn skilfully took the ball deep, enabling Vi to capitalise and score. By now, the Vixens had established a decent foothold in the match, keeping pressure on the home side. This pressure resulted in what initially appeared to be a well-worked ‘Rhino’ set-piece try to give the away side their second score. Unfortunately, the referee ruled it out, adjudging the ball to have been held up.

Undaunted by this setback, the Vixens continued to press. Frances’s quick thinking from a penalty set up Roo to force her way over for a well-deserved try, narrowing the score to 17–10 after 25 minutes.

Cambridge responded strongly, finishing the half with another try under the posts, which was duly converted to give a half-time score of 24–10, leaving Bury with plenty to do in the second half.

Second Half
With the break complete and play barely underway, the Vixens reversed the pattern from their previous encounter with Cambridge, being the team quickest to hit the ground running. Pressure from the away side enabled Sophie D to score from another ‘Rhino’ set-piece, ensuring this time the ball was undeniably grounded. This brought the score to 24–15.

Bury were now gaining more control of the match, keeping the ball in the home side’s half and playing with belief and focus. From a line-out on the Cambridge 22 after 9 minutes of second-half play, a well-executed passing move led to Kaitlyn scoring the next try, which she also converted, narrowing the score to 24–22.

The home side responded with a well-worked move on the right, opening the gap to 29–22 after 14 minutes of the second half, showcasing their ability to counter-attack effectively. The Vixens, however, showed their trademark resolve and determination to stay in the game. Anyone who follows this team knows this is never in doubt. Once again, they pushed deep into opposition territory. This time, a signature Sophie Arnott drive, supported by Sophie Amiss, enabled Izzy to score her maiden try, bringing the score to 29–27 after 19 minutes of the second half.

As the game progressed, the away side began to impose themselves more and more, protecting the ball better and capitalising on any mistakes from the home team. On 19 minutes, with the momentum firmly with Bury, a sharp passing move culminated in Ilana scoring a pacy try, putting the away side ahead for the first time that afternoon (29–32).

The final whistle followed shortly after another outstanding tackle from Harriet, whose excellent full-back attributes once again proved the equal importance of defence and attack. Her efforts prevented a potential match-winning try from Cambridge.

With the final scoreline at 29–32, the girls left the pitch elated, celebrating a hard-fought victory that demonstrated how far they have come in their development as a resilient and competitive unit.

Awards
Bury Vixens POTM – Roo (voted by Cambridge)
Bury Vixens TREDS Award – Frances (voted by Cambridge)
Bury Coaches POTM – Harriet
Cambridge POTM – Belle (voted by Bury)
Cambridge TREDS Award – No. 7 (voted by Bury)

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