The Tribe didn’t have to travel far for their first away game of the season, taking on NC1 newcomers Bishop’s Stortford. Despite several last-minute changes to the Iceni team sheet, the squad had their eyes firmly set on securing the first win of their away campaign.

Bishop’s Stortford started strongly in the opening 15 minutes, with an early ripped ball putting Iceni under pressure. Iceni responded with a turnover from a penalty, but discipline proved costly, keeping play largely within their own 22.

Full-back Yas Amber kicked deep into the opposition 22, and after Bishop’s Stortford returned the ball, Iceni regathered and produced some excellent phase play and offloads.

A holding-on penalty allowed Bishop’s Stortford to regain ground and kick for the lineout. They secured the ball, but a knock-on gave Iceni a brief advantage before another knock-on brought a scrum.

Both fly-half Emma Goate and Yas produced huge hits on the Bishop’s Stortford backline.

Despite a turnover from hooker Katie Gemal and a clearance kick from Yas, Iceni’s defence was eventually breached. Bishop’s Stortford regained possession and charged forward.

Yas made a try-saving tackle, but with advantage being played, the hosts crossed in the corner. The conversion was missed, making it 5–0 to Bishop’s Stortford.

Iceni caught the restart, and a series of high-tackle infringements resulted in a team warning for Bishop’s Stortford. Iceni made positive ground, but a slip-up at the scrum resulted in a penalty, allowing the hosts to kick to the corner. Their hooker overshot the lineout, leaving a loose ball for experienced campaigners Emma Goate and centre Beth Watts to clean up quickly.

With space ahead, Yas made a clean break, charging downfield from the 22 and crossing the try line, leaving the last defender clutching at thin air after a cheeky hand-off. Yas converted her own try to bring Iceni back into the contest at 7–5.

Iceni responded to the restart with physicality. Centres Beth and Dell, alongside winger Jade Baker, made a dominant tackle and clear-out to give Iceni an opportunity to counterattack. Bishop’s Stortford called for an injury stoppage inside the Tribe’s 22, disrupting Iceni’s momentum.

The hosts capitalised, winning the scrum and crossing the line with their No. 8 following a series of pick-and-goes. The conversion was successful, putting Bishop’s Stortford ahead 12–5.

Iceni found themselves back on their 5-metre line shortly after the restart following a line break from the Bishop’s Stortford centre. Yas made a try-saving tackle, forcing the ball into touch, but the good work was immediately undone when possession was lost at the lineout.

Pressure was mounting, but the Tribe’s defence remained resolute. Scrum-half Annabelle, flanker Kat and Yas all put in crucial try-saving tackles. However, a yellow card followed by a quick tap penalty allowed Bishop’s Stortford to cross in the corner. The conversion was missed, extending their lead to 17–7.

Jess Brennan replaced Annabelle just before half-time, with the Tribe having plenty of work to do.

The Tribe began the second half with 14 players. However, despite two lengthy injury stoppages, Bishop’s Stortford were unable to extend their lead. Yas returned to the field, and Iceni quickly won a penalty for a dangerous clear-out. This time, it was Bishop’s Stortford who were shown a yellow card.

Scrum-half Jess Brennan, in classic fashion, played quickly, getting the ball into Dell’s safe hands. Dell charged down the touchline to score, with Yas adding the conversion to close the gap to 17–14.

With a fire lit under their bellies, Iceni looked to maintain their momentum and keep morale high from the restart. Bishop’s Stortford worked their way back into the Tribe’s 22, but a clumsy penalty once again gave Iceni the chance to counterattack. Despite the ball going loose, a perfect — or lucky, some might say — bounce into the hands of none other than Yas was always likely to end in a try. The conversion was successful, making it 17–21. For the first time, the Tribe were in front.

Bishop’s Stortford caught the restart, but a crunching hit from No. 8 Ellie Carter sent the ball loose. With advantage being played for an earlier offside, Bishop’s Stortford were awarded a scrum. Their centre showed quick feet to cross the whitewash under the posts.

The conversion was successful, putting the hosts back in front at 24–21.
Undeterred, Iceni soldiered on, knowing the game was still within reach. A monster kick from Yas sent the ball deep into the opposition 22, and a handling error from the Bishop’s Stortford winger handed Iceni the lineout. A well-rehearsed lineout maul brought the Tribe closer to the line before Jess weaved through the defence to score in the corner. The conversion was missed, but Iceni reclaimed the lead at 24–26.

Bishop’s Stortford’s frustrations were beginning to show. Two successive penalties and a yellow card for a high tackle increased the pressure, opening the door for Iceni to extend their advantage. The Tribe remained composed, capitalising on another offside infringement. A quick tap-and-go resulted in yet another try for Yas. The conversion was missed, taking the score to 24–31.

With the final 10 minutes approaching, the stakes remained high and supporters held their breath. Jess produced a useful clearance shortly after the restart to relieve pressure, but a clean Bishop’s Stortford lineout quickly put Iceni back on their try line.

Bishop’s Stortford were relentless. Iceni held firm, but tired legs and an offside penalty eventually allowed the hosts over the line. In a controversial moment, Iceni was shown a yellow card and the referee awarded a penalty try. However, the referee then appeared to depart from the usual protocol by signalling for Bishop’s Stortford to take a conversion. To Iceni’s relief, the kick was missed, leaving the score at 29–31 with just three minutes remaining.

In a nail-biting finish, Iceni retained possession from the restart and won a crucial penalty. The quick tap-and-go strategy paid dividends once again, with Katie making the break before passing to Dell, who crossed for a last-minute winner. Yas added the conversion to make it 29–38.

It appeared the referee had forgotten to restart the clock at some point, as the final minute seemed to last several. With victory out of reach, Bishop’s Stortford managed to claim a consolation try, bringing the final score to Bishop’s Stortford 34–38 Iceni.

It’s fair to say the Tribe’s performance was messy at times, but it was a true display of character, grit and resilience as they found a way to win.

Under the Radar went to Jess Brennan, whose impact off the bench was undeniable. Player of the Match was awarded to Yas Amber for her outstanding individual performance.

There’s no rest for the wicked as the Tribe prepare to face fierce opponents Hitchin at home on 18 October!