On Sunday afternoon the Iceni Women’s team took on the Westcliff Lionesses at Raven Park in calm and sunny conditions in a pre-season friendly. The match was divided into four 20 minute sessions so that the coaches could try out several combinations of players.

In the first half Lionesses were dominant and turned round at half time in the lead by 10-24 but the Iceni came back at them led by their captain Yas Amber, playing out of position at no.10, who scored a couple of tries and was made joint player of the match along with Jess Brennan, who played in several positions and, like many of her team mates, used her tackling and kicking skills to good effect.

Iceni’s defensive line held out against many Lionesse attacks and the fortunes of the two sides changed so that the Iceni were on top at the end of a thrilling encounter well supported by family and friends. “One from one” said coach Dan Whiteman, “I’m happy with that!”