LADIES STING WASPS

It was Southport Ladies who dominated the early part of the game, putting pressure on the Kendal back line. Southport scored early with a well taken dart down the blind side from Natasha Rouffignac (Southport 9) following a good set scrum by the forwards, the Kendal backs tackled admirably but it was the 9 who got the ball down out on the right wing. Unfortunately, Jenny Carney just missed out on the conversion to leave the score 5-0.

Following a long period of possession Southport were unlucky when the talented inside centre (Michelle Larkin) read an intercept and darted under the posts, and the full back (Tamara Benson) stepped up ad converted to make it 7-5 to Kendal.

Southport played with commitment, heart and belief for the remainder of the first half and were unlucky when the referee deemed a forward pass by Pip Birchall.

The second half left off here the first ended, Southport were dominant in possession however Kendal responded, the defence of Southport stood up to all drives that Kendal gave.

After 62 minutes Southport go back on to the score sheet following a powerful drive from Gemma Hurst, she then took the ball in to contact and again the speedy little 9 Natasha Rouffignac picked up the ball and scored in front of the clubhouse. This gave the home fans something to cheer. Southport Ladies missed out on the conversion taking the score to 10 -7.

With 16 minutes left on the clock Southport went down to 14 Ladies following a period of penalties. Kendal never gave up d continued to attack Southport in all areas. Fantastic tackling by Sian Meath and Katie Macdonald and runs by the centres kept Kendal pinned back in their half. Constant pressure from Meghan Montgomery and Natasha Rouffignac setting up the backs and forwards ended in Kendal giving away a penalty right in front of the posts with 4 minutes remaining. Jenny Carney stepped up with the composure shown by her Uncle Andrew on the first tee of Royal Birkdale, she slotted the ball straight through the middle to take Southport on to 13-6.

Unfortunately, the game was delayed due to an injury to one of the Kendal players. Southport wish her all the best and a seedy recovery back to rugby.

A well-deserved home win for the young team places Southport 3 in the table with two games to go. This must go as probably the best TEAM performance that Southport Ladies have played this season.

Southport Ladies are at Home again on Sunday v Birkenhead Park Ladies. If anyone wishes to come along or wants more information on either playing or sponsoring ladies or girl’s rugby contact Mike Dale the Director of Rugby on 07493055091.

A big thankyou to all those spectators, photographers, doctor, nurses, first aiders and volunteers etc who assisted us to entertain Kendal Wasps on Sunday.