The first 10 minutes showcased the skills of the Canadian girls, as they had the lion’s share of possession. However, solid and well-organised defence by RGC meant play stayed around the half-way line.
Soon after this, RGC found their feet, and began to play the expansive game they are known for.
Quick ball and good running by the backs allowed prop Amelia Stubbs to brush aside six would-be tacklers to power over the line for the first try of the game. Flanker Cara Hope kicked a difficult conversion to give RGC a seven point lead.
This was soon built upon, however, as a clever kick ahead from centre Iona Evans allowed incisive running from fly-half Gwen Harries. The resulting ruck set up an excellent platform for Stubbs again to blast through the Canadian defenders to score her second try.
In the dying stages of the first half scrum-half Kaya Harding scored a third try for RGC, darting through two defenders to touch down. Hope added the conversion to give the home side a 19-0 half-time lead.
In the second half RGC grew stronger as. Inter-play between the backs and forwards throughout the match proved to be a strong component in the win, and in a decisive move the forwards set up the ball for Harries to seize and spot a gap to score. Hope added the conversion.
A real team-try was scored by RGC front-row utility player Paige Davies, as phase after phase crept closer to the Canadian try line. Strong drives from Ellie Dorey, Chloe Dymond, Kumari Tilakawardane and Catrin Williams allowed Davies to drive over.
In what was only fitting for their effort, the Griffins scored an excellent individual try through Shareen Kritzer, who seized upon a loose kick from RGC and used her speed to run in a try.
Not to be outdone, Harding, who kept the game running smoothly with her darting runs and quick service, out-ran the opposing winger to run in a superb try in response under the posts.
Scorers:
RGC: Tries – Stubbs (2), Harding (2), Harries, Davies; Cons – Hope (3).
Griffins: Try – Kritzer.
