LADIES MERRILEIGH ROLL ALONG UP THE LEAGUE

From the very start the game was obviously going to be a physical battle. Both sides struggled to stamp their authority on the game for the first 10 minutes, giving away needless penalties. Some quick thinking from scrum half Faye Dagnall, saw her take a quick tap penalty and weave her way through the sleeping Leigh defence for the first score of the game. This try and some motivational words from team manager, mike dale appeared to move the southport forwards into another gear- putting in some massive hits and strong ball carries.

However, another soft penalty given away by southport led to them being dished some of their own medicine- a quick tap penalty and some slick hands through the backs saw Leigh score in the corner.

The Southport girls were fired up by this and the forwards made yards, after yards through strong running and mauling their way through the hapless Leigh defence. Some fabulous team work and support play resulted in hooker Helen shaw scoring in the corner. Half time 10-5.

Some strong words at half time and changes in personnel saw southport continue to dominate the game. Leigh had no answer to centre Kirsty Mahony's strong, mazy running. Mahony rode the tackles and broke 50 yards to score.

Tempers began to flare as Leigh's hope of getting back into the game started to slip away as the half progressed. The opposition couldn't match the southport pack for strength or the backs for pace and their frustrations began to show.

Overall, a strong team performance saw Zoe Corfield awarded player of match and Southport unbeaten, winning 15-5. Southport hope to continue to improve and build on this away next week at Garstang.