CHRISTINE BLACK LEAVES GARSTANG BLUE

From kick off it was clear this game was going to be yet another hard fought effort for Southport Ladies if they were to continue their winning start to the season. Garstang fought hard to make their presence felt by some hard hitting tackles but Southport’s attack proved too much for them to deal with, when Lauren McCluskey charged over the line but unfortunately not grounding the ball. The 5m scrum to Garstang was overturned by Southport’s strong and disciplined forwards, allowing McCluskey to pick the ball from the back of the scrum and drive over the line to score Southport’s first try.

Garstang came back fighting and were clearly not going to make this an easy game. Southport’s defence worked hard but some quick hands and hard hitting runs saw their number 13 power though Southport’s defensive line and scored their first try.

Southport’s second try came from some magic by Gemma Hurst in the line out 10 metres from the Garstang try line. The commitment to training paid off and some clever running and planning from the pack saw Hurst halt the Garstang defence and fly over the line for her first try of the game.

Southport fought hard to keep out a persistent Garstang side who managed to break Southports defence for a second time to score a converted try. However, Southport were determined not to go into half time the losing side and McCluskey secured the last try of the first half to ensure this. At half time it was 14-15 to Southport. It was clear Southport had a tough 35 minutes to come to secure the win they came here for.

Both teams came out fighting after a much needed half time break, both knowing they had everything to play for. Southport continued to make good ground and some excellent scrums stolen by Southport put the girls on the front foot. Garstang continued with a strong defence but some clever play and kicking by Katie Hussey saw Southport charge towards Garstangs’ try line. Quick hands saw the ball come out to Zoe Corfield who almost scored Southport’s fourth try but was again stopped by the strong Garstang defence. Quick thinking by Gemma Hurst saw her rip the ball from the back of the maul and power over the line to score Southport’s fourth try, her second of the game.

Garstang replied with yet another converted try, putting more pressure on Southport to step up. More strong running from Southport’s forwards allowed Southport to make more ground before Christine Black blasted through and scored Southport’s winning try.
Full time result was 21-27 and girl of the game deservedly going to Claire Stewart.