ICENI Ladies continued their perfect start to the season with a commanding 58–7 victory over newly promoted Harpenden Ladies, making it three from three and keeping their unbeaten run alive.

Facing another new opponent to the league, ICENI wasted no time setting the tone. Their first attack of the match was held up over the line by Harpenden’s strong defence, but the early pressure didn’t faze the Tribe. Just nine minutes in, Katie Gemal powered over for the opening try to make it 5–0.

With momentum building, ICENI found their rhythm. Winger Lily Day crossed the line twice in quick succession, extending the lead to 15–0. The Tribe’s pace and precision were on full display, with slick offloads and confident support play leaving Harpenden scrambling.

Another try from Katie Gemal followed, and Zoe Goate coolly added the extras with her first successful kick of the game, stretching the score to 22–0. As ICENI continued to pile on the pressure, Harpenden’s defence began to fray, resulting in a yellow card after a reckless tackle that saw Lucy Philpot’s hair pulled in the tackle.

Down a player, Harpenden couldn’t contain ICENI’s flowing attack. Ellie Woodward took advantage of the overlap and bounced a Harpenden player to score just before half time, Zoe crossed the line and with a successful conversion from Katie Gemal brought the halftime tally to 34–0, with six first half tries showcasing ICENI’s attacking dominance.

The second half opened under a light drizzle, but the weather did little to slow the home side’s momentum. ICENI continued their relentless style, with Zoe adding another try and Katie slotting the conversion to make it 41–0. Despite a spirited fightback from Harpenden, ICENI’s defence held firm, turning over possession and launching more attacking phases that saw Beth Philpot and Jade Baker both cross for their first tries of the match.

In the final ten minutes, Zoe Goate capped off a standout hat trick performance with a sensational breakaway run from inside ICENI’s own 10-metre line, racing the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Katie added the conversion to bring the score to 58–0.
Harpenden, to their credit, refused to give up and were rewarded in the dying moments with a converted try to end the game 58–7 — but there was no doubt about the dominant side on the day.

It was another superb team effort from ICENI, whose cohesion, support play, and fitness continue to shine week after week. The progress made in training is clearly translating onto the pitch, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Under the Radar: Ellie Carter
Player of the Match: Lucy Philpot

Next up is another home fixture — complete with an ICENI Lunch before kick-off. Book your place via clairecrfc@outlook.com and come down to support the Tribe as they aim to make it four from four!