READING Abbey Ladies produced another impressive defensive display to earn a losing bonus point at Hove Ladies, writes Fiona Tomas.

The Championship South newcomers slipped to their second consecutive defeat as their East Sussex opponents secured an 11-0 victory.

Jack Reynold’s side headed into the encounter looking to bounce back from their 12-5 defeat to Henley Ladies the previous week.

But the Emmer Green side found themselves under the cosh from the off, with Hove driving at Abbey’s defensive line with a series of strong ball carries.

The Nuns’ determined mind-set to adjust to the greater demands in their new league environment was nevertheless clear to be seen – perhaps best epitomised through Hollie King’s heroic try-saving venture in the first half.

The powerful prop valiantly held up a try attempt from her opposite number on the whitewash, before playing an instrumental role in helping to force the resulting scrum back alongside Abbey’s ferocious front row.

The Nuns showed glimpses of the firepower they are capable of releasing at this level of women’s rugby – only one league below many English internationals in the elite Tyrrells Premier 15s – many of whom will be offered professional contracts by the RFU from next year.

Annette Tomas, Jess Potter and youngster Anais Carbon imposed their attacking threat through with several impressive line breaks.

As a result, three points – courtesy of a Hove penalty kick – was all that separated the two sides at the break – after Abbey were impeded for repeated infringements at the ruck.

The second-half saw Abbey settle into a rhythm with strong carries from captain Joey Fowler and centre Alice Denton, both of whom inspired the team to up its tempo.

Denton and Tomas probed the Hove back three with kicks, but Abbey were reduced to 14 after Tomas was shown yellow for a high tackle.

The resulting extra woman allowed Hove to work the ball wide where their full back dotted down in the corner.

The Nuns continued to bring the game to Hove, but struggled to implement the final pass in more positive passages of play.

Hove kicked a final penalty and then played a safe game as their experience allowed, while Abbey worked tirelessly to preserve the losing bonus point.

Despite suffering a second loss in as many matches, Abbey’s display was a significant improvement –and their dogged defensive effort was hailed as “simply excellent” by Reynolds, who was also pleased with his side’s ability to execute set-pieces.

While he acknowledged his side’s frustration at being forced to defend for large periods of the game, Mr Reynolds insisted it was all but a psychological shift that was needed ahead of a crunch match against last year’s league champions, Thurrock, in a fortnight’s time.

Reynolds said: “We need to adjust our mentality of not having to create something every time we have the ball.

“We had to live off limited possession due to us struggling at the breakdown – it’s a lesson we need to learn from quickly or we will have a tough time this season.

“Looking at our games so far, they could have been wins – come the reverse fixtures, I’m confident they will be.”

  • READING Ladies lost 36-10 at home to Windsor Ladies in South East West 1 on Sunday.