1st XV (W)
Matches
Sun 08 Sep 2019  ·  Women's NC 1 North East
Carlisle Cougars Ladies
65
5
Wetherby RUFC
1st XV (W)
Tries: R Steward
Wetherby women lose against tough opponents in first ever league game.

Wetherby women lose against tough opponents in first ever league game.

Sean Lally10 Sep 2019 - 11:40
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Last Sunday, Wetherby Women RUFC had their first game of the 2019/2020 season. This was a particularly significant match for a number of reasons, first match of the season, but also the first ever match Wetherby have played in a league.

Wetherby made the coach journey up on Sunday morning with a mixed pack of seasoned returners such as recently appointed Vice Captain, Robyn Steward and re-appointed Captain Shannon Little. For a lot of their players, this would be their first ever rugby game after Wetherby’s successful off-season recruitment. Warm-ups began promptly for both teams, with Carlisle Cougars, who placed 2nd in their league last season, demonstrating some excellent passing and lineout drills.

The game kicked off with Carlisle receiving the ball, a solid kick by Wetherby and the game was in full swing within seconds. Carlisle demonstrated their talent very early on, finding Wetherby’s gaps and running into them with speed, strength and precision. It was this that earned them 19 points within the first 5 minutes of the match. Head Coach, Charlie Beech ran onto the pitch as and when he could with water and words of encouragement for the girls. As the game progressed, Wetherby began to hone in their focus in defence, with some big hits from their pack of forwards, in particular Lauren Van Buuren. Rebecca Foster played a blinder, with hard running and fierce tackles, something the Wetherby support has definitely been missing in the off-season. Scrum-wise, newcomer Laura Linton and prop Kate Borgen worked together to build up their skills within the scrum. After a handful of scrums, their ability has vastly improved, earning both of them Forwards of the match.

With credit to the forwards and persistence from our back line, in particular new Full Back Gosia Szwabowicz, Wetherby were unable to score in the first half. This was despite a big break from Amber Bannon, running almost the length of the pitch and falling short of the try line. Half-time fell, with both teams huddled working out tactics for the next half. Kick off commenced once again, this time Wetherby receiving for the first time in the game. Carlisle kept up their impressive pace, which combined with the strength of their players allowed them to dominate the field. A credit to Carlisle, the side-line noted their number 12 and 13 as outstanding players. Marked consistently by Wetherby’s number 13, Jess Kirby who was able to keep the pace throughout the entire 80 minutes and landing some impressive tackles, earning her Back of the match.

After an impressive scrum led by Laura Linton, Wetherby’s number 8, Robyn Steward made a break, bulldozing through a crowd of Carlisle players to score the first and only try for Wetherby in the game. Despite an incomplete conversion, this gave the team the push they needed to complete the game. Wetherby attended the game today with only one sub, meaning all players were on the pitch for the full 80 minutes, something we must credit them for, especially those who had never played before.

Congratulations to Carlisle, a strong but clean team who are set to dominate the league this year. Wetherby fought long and hard today despite the odds and this experience will have given them a lot to work on back home on Wednesday evenings. Despite the score, Wetherby should be proud of their performance on Sunday, the grit and determination from this group of women cannot be denied and can be taken into their next game against Kendal Wasps next Sunday.

Match details

Match date

Sun 08 Sep 2019

Kickoff

14:00

Competition

Women's NC 1 North East

League position

1
Carlisle Cougars Ladies
8
Wetherby Ladies
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Ladies Primary Sponsor - True Personal Training