Kilburn Cosmos Ladies enjoyed a resounding 61-19 victory over Harlequin Amateurs Ladies at Gladstone Park, followed by an award presentation by the President of Middlesex Rugby.
The hard-fought victory came after their first game fielding a full squad of 15 players plus subs, which is testament to the team’s tireless recruitment efforts.
A total of 10 new players gained their first caps this season, with more in training to make their debut, and playing 15s provided a welcome chance for the forwards in the squad, who made a crushing impact against the highly physical Quins team.
A sign of the strength of the Cosmos pack was that seven of their nine tries were run in by forwards.
Long-serving captain and number eight Catherine Thomas scored four tries, after hat-tricks in each of the two previous matches, with side-steps, sprints and spin-moves worthy of a winger.
Vice-captain Jasmine Ono contributed decisive leadership at fly-half as well as delivering a powerful defensive effort.
Former Bermuda 7s player Kelli Nusum returned at centre after a 25-month break to score two tries, showing impressive handling and a fearsome defence to earn the players’ player award.
And seasoned Lock Hannah Jebb was named forward of the match, scoring two tries, providing constant support at the breakdown and guiding newer players to dominate the scrum.
Flanker Cerys Bradley displayed characteristic strength and tenacity, hitting every ruck and scoring a try, and the Cosmos points total was increased by long-standing scrum-half Jen Newman, who converted eight tries and produced some textbook tackles to take back of the match.
There were fine debut performances from second-row Lauren Hallewell and wing Amy Bennett, showing confidence in attack and defenc as testament to their commitment to training and the sterling efforts of coaches Rob Edison and Angelina Pascual.
Edison and Pascual were presented with the 'Beyond Rugby' award by Middlesex Rugby President Peter Baveystock for keeping Cosmos Ladies together throughout the pandemic.
Baveystock also praised Kilburn Cosmos RFC as a 'rugby oasis in Brent' and expressed a wish to visit the club again in future.
The team was saddened to say goodbye to head coach Edison as he moves to a prestigious coaching position in Cambridge, having been a rock for the team for over six years, showing tireless commitment and motivation in developing the Cosmos Ladies squad.
But the team was overjoyed to welcome the next generation of Cosmos, with most-capped Ladies player Britt Downes introducing her seven-week-old daughter Maeve and club secretary Emma Altmann-Richer anticipating another addition to the contingent with a new arrival in late April.
Kilburn Cosmos Ladies play their final game of the season on April 10 against rivals Hamstead seconds, who currently sit two positions higher in the table.
Bolstered by the victory against Quins and with the combined strength of experienced players and eager new recruits, Cosmos are looking to come out fighting and end the season on a high.
All are welcome to come and cheer tem on at Gladstone Park, with kick-off at 2pm.
Kilburn Cosmos RFC is open across junior, men's and ladies' sections, as well as hosting Summer Touch tournaments. To find out more email info@kilburncosmos.co.uk.
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