New England Rugby Round 1: Tamworth women show plenty of heart in 42-29 loss to St Alberts

As he relayed to them post-match, he was "proud to be their coach".

Albies were too good in the end, taking the points 42-29, but Mills said the scoreline didn't reflect the game.

"They played tremendously," he said of his side.

"We only had 10, they just played out of their skins."

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Playing 10s this season, it meant they all had to play the full game; there were reserves to call on.

It was a huge effort, especially against last year's minor premiers, and Mills couldn't have been prouder.

"I was proud of them all turning up and having a 100 per cent go," he said.

Ash Bridge scored twice, with Flo Davidson, Ellie Hannaford and Beth Andren also finding the tryline in a performance that exceeded Mills' expectations.

"They actually took the training that we've been doing onto the field," he said.

"The moves we've been doing they put into practice.

"Some of it didn't work but most of the time what we've been doing came off."

He was particularly impressed by their defence, and their lineouts and scrums.

With the competition moving to 10s the set pieces play a much bigger role in the game.

He said it had given them a lot of encouragement for the season and highlighted the great camaraderie within the team. "They're gelling well together," Mills said.

Hannaford picked up the three points to go with her try, Mills noting that the half-back "tackled well".

Andren, who played in the second row was awarded the two and prop Tobi-Lee Clough the one, Mills also making special mention of Bridge, who he said, "also played a very hard game".

Albies 42 (T. Morgan (3), H. O'Connor, C. Harpley tries, pen try, Harpley 5cons) d Tamworth 29 (A. Bridge (2), F. Davidson, E. Hannaford, B. Andren tries, Hannaford, Andren cons).

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