COLCHESTER Iceni Women's Rugby team avenged their opening day 14-10 defeat against Lakenham and Hewitt by securing a 39-17 victory, writes STEVE WHITEMAN.

The match was notably influenced by the sunny but windy weather, causing both teams to score all their points exclusively when playing with the strong wind.

It was an intense start for the Iceni, with prop Beth Watts seizing the kick-off ball and forwarding it to captain Yas Amber, who slipped through the opposing squad's defence.

Amber then offloaded to wing Georgina McCarthy, who sprinted to the corner for a try within the first minute.

As the match continued, Iceni had a lineout on the visitors' 22 line which they won and scrum-half Jess Brennan whipped it out to centre Lucy Philpott, whose direct running gave Iceni their third score with only 10 minutes on the clock.

Undeterred by the quick-fire start of their opponents, Lakenham scrambled upfield from the restart.

They earned a penalty on Iceni’s 22, quickly moved the ball to their fullback and managed to score their first and only touchdown of the half.

From Iceni’s restart kick, flanker Katie Gemal charged in, tackling the catcher.

A subsequent infringement from the visitors during the ruck resulted in a penalty.

Quick thinking from Iceni lead to a rapid tap and go, the ball flowing from left then right to Maddie Seal, adding another unconverted try to Iceni's tally.

The first half ended with a 39-5 lead for Iceni.

Earning such a lead remarkably did not let the team's spirit relent, with Yas Amber and Emma Goate adding two more tries before the halftime whistle.

Any thoughts of complacency were promptly dismissed at the halftime pep talk.

Coaches Danny Whiteman and Graham Seal reminded the women that continued good tackling would be key to keeping their lead.

Their advice was evidently well received, as Iceni staved off frequent Lakenham attacks in the second half, conceding only two tries.

Further into the second half, three substitutes - Charlotte Lancaster, Jess Sydenham and Emma Vinter – were brought in, each enriching the game and contributing valuably to their team.

By the final whistle, despite losing the second half 12-0, Iceni had pulled off an impressive victory, with a final score of 39-17.

They had constructed an unassailable lead in the first half and held on valiantly in the second, underlining their strength and resilience.

Player of the Match accolade was awarded to Maddie Seal while the Under the Radar award was given to Lucy Philpott.

Both players were praised for their tireless performances and significant contributions to the match.