Southport hosted the 3rd Annual 10s tournament and the ladies team came away victorious for the first time, after beating reigning champions, Preston Grasshoppers in the final. Ladies teams from Ormskirk and Garstang also competed.

The season opener at Waterloo road didn't start off as hoped for the Southport ladies. An opening round defeat to Preston Grasshoppers woke them into action. Beating both Ormskirk and Garstang convincingly, Southport secured second place in the group and final play-off against Hoppers and the chance to avenge the earlier defeat.

The final started off a close affair. Both teams sharing the opening points. Preston Grasshoppers went into the second half 10-7 ahead and scored straight after the break to stretch their lead even further.

Southport then started to play their best rugby of the day, working hard as a unit and going forward with purpose. A stolen line out on Hoppers ball, saw a Southport score from five meters. The score was 20-14 to Hoppers and only two minutes remaining. Southport's pre-season work was paying off and the forwards were piling on the pressure- which gave the opportunity for fly-half, Katie Hussey to switch the play. A simple draw and pass released Charlotte Johnson in acres of space to score. The conversion by the reliable boot of Hussey secured the victory as the final whistle blew.

More superb photos from Club photographer Angus Matheson HERE

Southport ladies opening league fixture is at home to Leigh 20/9/15.
Any one interested in training please contact Team manager Mike Dale via our contacts page