The second Inner Warrior Series fixture of the 2026-27 campaign took place on Sunday, November 1, at the Vixens’ home ground.

A minute’s silence was observed before the match, which was played close to Remembrance Sunday.

The visitors eventually secured their first victory over the Vixens, but the contest was level at half-time before two early second-half tries created separation.

Vixens started strongly and opened the scoring when debutant Pippa Camidge finished on the wing after sustained pressure.

Summer Hudson converted, although the score was accompanied by a contentious moment when Abingdon’s Imogen Cherret appeared to prevent the ball from being grounded at the last instant.

Cherret soon made an impact at the other end, powering through the defence to score, with Sophie Fox adding the conversion.

Abingdon continued to apply pressure and moved ahead when Mary Tyson crossed in the corner.

Eleanor Turver then extended the advantage with a third try, again converted by Fox.

With the visitors controlling the closing stages of the first half, Ellie Brown responded with a powerful second try to revive the home side.

The Vixens carried that momentum into the remainder of the half, and another debutant, Molly Godfrey, broke through the defensive line to score.

Hudson converted to make the score 19-19 at half-time.

Abingdon resumed with greater intensity, and a powerful collective effort allowed Kelly Anne Taylor to force her way over the line.

The Vixens continued to attack, but the visitors retained their territorial advantage.

Roza Carvalho scored the next try, while Fox added the conversion to put Abingdon firmly in control.

The match was then abandoned after a Vixens player sustained a potential head and neck injury following the restart.

Player welfare took priority, and the decision was made to end the contest early.

Injury was later reported to be less serious than first feared, with the player recovering well.

The premature conclusion echoed last season’s second meeting between the sides, which also ended early after an injury.

The result was recorded as 31-19 to Abingdon.

Vixens vice-captain Maddie Hodgkins-Warren praised the squad’s effort, particularly the six players making their official debuts.

“The girls had an incredible game today, against an opposition we know well and always enjoy playing,” she said.

“It was a really physical test for the Vixens, with some hard hits and the need for some real teamwork.”

Hodgkins-Warren added that the debutants blended into the side effectively and that the squad remained composed despite injuries to key players.

She said the performance made her captaincy debut 'far more enjoyable'.

Abingdon described the result as a hard-fought victory over a determined opponent, adding that the two second-half tries proved decisive.

The afternoon ended with club president Simon Grater presenting team ties to the Vixens squad.

Ozge Fletcher was named Vixens forward of the match and opposition player of the match after a tireless debut performance.

Camidge was selected as the Vixens’ back of the match for her immediate impact.

Abingdon forward Charmaine Theron received the opposition player award, while Brown was named Fool of the Field.