On the up! Victory at Hitchin secures promotion for table-topping Ladies

Biggleswade were keen to finish on a high by winning the league outright rather than on score difference.

Sunday’s four tries to one away victory, following on from their five tries to nil home victory against the same side a fortnight ago, secured Biggy’s title outright, placing them two points ahead of Welwyn in second place and Hitchin in third.

Captain Charlie Field said: “I’d like to thank our sponsors, supporters, coaches, and all current and past players who’ve contributed during our first friendly season and our two league campaigns, and everyone from the club who’s helped us get to this point.

“What an amazing season we’ve had.”

Biggleswade were under pressure at the start but their determined defence forced a knock-on.

The forwards worked hard, with Connie McGinlay in particular putting in some huge tackles.

Biggy made the most of the first real opportunity of the game after seven minutes, with the backs passing down the line to winger Kayleigh Jean, who raced over the Hitchin try line.

Field’s kick was charged down.

After attacks from both sides were thwarted by strong tackling, Biggleswade stole the ball, and again made the most of their chance, with excellent handling in wet conditions to set full back Amanda Humphrey on her way to run in the team’s second try of the day, converted by Field.

Just two minutes later, Humphrey caught and carried a Hitchin return kick, took it into contact, the ball was recycled and chasing flanker Sophie Earls collected to charge ahead and bag Biggleswade’s third try.

Biggy made several changes at the break. Slick hands from the backs again paid dividends, with Lauren Poole, who’d spent the first half drawing players in to the tackle, getting the line break her hard work deserved, running through for Biggy’s fourth and final try.

With the rain now bucketing down, the remainder of the game became a stop start slogfest in the midfield.

Hitchin worked hard to breach the Biggy line, which had lost some of its shape, and their score eventually came with 10 minutes left on the clock, after taking a quick penalty which Biggleswade were slow to react to.

A large contingent of Biggleswade’s travelling supporters matched the team’s delight as the final whistle blew.