As the final whistle blew on Leicester Tigers' first-ever match in Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby, emotions were mixed amongst the squad, staff and supporters, with a medley of emotions, that include satisfaction with a benchmark performance filled with exciting play, while many were visibly gutted in having come so close to what would have been a famous start to life in the best league in all of women's rugby.
But that just demonstrates how far this side have come, to push the Premiership finalists and last year's Allianz Cup winners, all the way, with just five points in it with five minutes remaining. The progress is evident across the board.
"When you ask about the differences in the last few weeks, it's illustrated clearest in what I've seen; girls disappointed in the post-match huddle but excited to get going again this weekend" Tigers Forwards Coach, Luke Stratford, said following Sunday's match.
"It's my job and that of the coaching staff to work to keep fixing the weaknesses and so that's what we're going to keep doing. But we've made huge strides in the last three weeks.
"We've got no time to bask in the positives of today, our full attention must now turn to Gloucester-Hartpury in six days time".
To go from the Premiership finalists to the Champions back-to-back in the side's opening Premiership weekends is as tall an order as can be asked for the new team on the block.
But, if it wasn't clear enough on both Saturday and Sunday, Leicester Tigers will never shy away from a challenge, that toughness is what defines those who play for the club. Those internally look forward to testing themselves against one of, if not the, very best club side in the world.
"In terms of the women's game, they (Gloucester-Hartpury) are the absolute apex" Stratford said "They are the current Champions, they lead the league for the whole of last season and they deservedly triumphed in the final.
"They have an awesome set up that is continually producing exceptional talent; participation is through the roof into their Under 18 program, then feeding into the BUCS which then feeds the senior team. They've invested heavily in their coaching staff, with experienced coaches running throughout the pathway".
The two sides will be playing as part of a double-header that also sees the Tigers men team take on Gloucester, with the game also seeing the creation of the women's Slater Cup which will be contested for the first time alongside the men's version which was created last year.
In terms of talent, the home side are absolutely stacked; there are six players in their side who have been offered full-time contracts by the Red Roses: Zoe Aldcroft, Sarah Beckett, Tatyana Heard, Alex Matthews, Maud Muir and Emma Sing and that list doesn't include the prodigious talent of Welsh international Sisilia Tuipulotu and the maverick dynamism of Natasha 'Mo' Hunt.
'Mo' alone could carry a whole article by herself, the 2022/23 RPA Premier 15s Player of the Year a threat from absolutely anywhere on the park, both through her own running and the way the scrum half releases others around her. Stopping her will be high on a long list of priorities heading into the clash.
One element that the team won't be able to take with them down to the South-West will be the Mattioli Woods Welford Road crowd, whose backing of the team is more vital than ever before.
"It's amazing, they (the crowd) are just amazing, the give the team such a lift.
"At two, three scores down, I believe they were crucial to get us back into that game
"Our mission is to score points; we talk about benchmarks and scoring four tries, getting that bonus point, is a key benchmark to keep striving for as a team.
"The freedom we give to the players, the chip and chases, the trick plays, we want to keep that up, that's what we believe in".
Tickets are on sale now for our first-ever Premiership Double-Header at Mattioli Woods Welford Road (Sunday, December 3).
The men's team will take on Newcastle Falcons while the women's team take part in a brand-new derby, as they take on Loughborough Lightning.
To gain entry to the Leicester Tigers Women’s fixture you must purchase match tickets for the Double Header, which can be purchased via the link below.
PLEASE NOTE: Women's Team Season Ticket Holders must use the code, sent via email, to claim your free Tigers v Newcastle Falcons ticket and gain access to the Double Header.
Men’s team Season Ticket Holders can use their season ticket cards as normal to access the Newcastle Falcons fixture and stay to watch the Women’s fixture v Loughborough Lightning.
Tickets are also now on sale for our Round 5 Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby match, at home to Saracens.
This match will take place at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, on Saturday, December 16 (kick-off: 3pm).
Come down and lend your support!
With tickets from just £12 for Adults and £5 for Juniors, it's great value to be part of our first ever season at the elite level of women's rugby.
