**Match Report: Mansfield U18W vs. Wheatley Hills U18W**

**Final Score: Wheatley Hills 24 - 43 Mansfield**

On a day where the weather played a significant role, Mansfield U18 Women secured a hard-fought 43-24 victory over Wheatley Hills U18 Women. The game kicked off under decent conditions, but as the match progressed, rain began to pour heavily, turning what started as a straightforward contest into a battle against both the opposition and the elements. Despite the rain, the hard ground beneath remained a challenge for both teams, making for an unpredictable and intense match.

**First Half:**
Mansfield struck first, with Millee diving over for the opening try at 13:32 minutes. Jess missed the conversion, but Mansfield quickly set the pace with a 5-0 lead. Shortly after, Casey added a second try, pushing the score to 10-0, though the rain had started to complicate handling, and we unable to convert.

Wheatley Hills responded well, breaking through Mansfield’s defense to score their first try at 13:58 minutes, narrowing the margin to 10-5. As the rain intensified, Aisha capitalised on a well-worked team move to score another try for Mansfield. Sophie’s conversion extended their lead to 17-5 as the first half drew to a close.

**Second Half:**
Despite the worsening conditions, Mansfield returned from the break determined, and Megan scored early at 14:10 minutes to make it 22-5. Although Millee couldn’t convert, Mansfield’s relentless pressure continued.

Lily followed up with a try at 14:21 minutes, converting her own effort to stretch the lead to 29-5. Wheatley Hills responded with a try of their own at 14:24 minutes, narrowing the score to 29-10, but Mansfield’s dominance was clear as Sophie crossed the try line again at 14:28 minutes with a lovely timed dummy opening up the posts. With Lily converting, the score grew to 36-10.

Wheatley Hills fought back once more, scoring a converted try at 14:31 minutes, bringing the score to 36-17, but Mansfield soon sealed the match with another try from Sophie at 14:40 minutes. Lily’s conversion increased the score to 43-17. Wheatley Hills managed one last converted try before the final whistle, ending the game at 24-43.

**Player of the Match:**
Wheatley Hills named Fern as their Player of the Match, acknowledging her outstanding performance despite the difficult conditions. Her determination and work rate stood out in a tough contest.

Ps. Happy Birthday Chelsea! Wheatleys u18w captain!