LADIES UNLUCKALEIGH LOSE

Southport began the game strong and with some tight defensive work, fought off Leigh to deny them a chance of opening the scoring. Katie Hussey put in a down field kick to clear Southport out of their half and spend some time attacking in Leigh's half. Strong runs from Southport's forwards Gemma Hurst and Zoe Corfield put Southport within reaching distance of Leigh's try line, but some solid defensive work prevented Southport from getting that all important first score.

The majority of the first half was spent in the middle of the pitch with both sides evenly matched, it was clear a win for either team was not going to be easy. The first try of the game came from some quick play by Leigh at the half way line, getting the ball out to the backs and a little chip over the top for the ball to be fallen onto for a try in the corner. 5-0.

The first half continued to be an evenly matched contest with both teams determined to secure the win.

Second half Southport came out fighting, knowing they needed the next score. Southport's forwards were winning every ruck and were looking strong in attack. The ball came out to the backs and a powerful run by Emma Barisio put more pressure on Leigh's defence as southport advanced further into Leigh's half. Leigh's defence proved too much and the ball was lost. Play was turned and the pressure was now on Southport, a long kick down field was picked up by Fiona Beckham, who side stepped two of Leigh's players to get southport out of trouble. A couple of quick penalties for Southport caught Leigh on the back foot and quick thinking by Faye Dagnall put Southport back in Leigh's 22 once again. However, strong defensive play by Leigh once again prevented a score for Southport.

The second half continued as the first half did with both teams fairly matched, both fighting for possession and that all important win. With some good defensive work from Southport, Leigh were denied a scoring opportunity in the corner, keeping them still very much in the game. Southport continued with their solid defence and were desperately looking for a scoring opportunity, but it just wasn't their day. The ladies were unlucky when a try was awarded to Leigh following some questionable play making the score now 10-0, the conversion was successful adding the extra two points.

Southport came back fighting, determined that they could still get something from the game, Leigh were getting tired and it was showing as their penalty count began to rise. Southport fought hard but still could not find the finishing play to get them on the score sheet.

The game finished 12-0 but did not reflect the effort the girls put in. Girl of the game was deservedly awarded to Fiona Beckham for a great performance as full back.