Devas rocked but won't roll over!

Southport Ladies hosted recently demoted Chester Devas at Waterloo Road this Sunday in front of a great supportive crowd. Southport were keen to continue their unbeaten home record against a team who, on paper, would probably be their toughest game to date, and having spent the first 25 minutes pinned in their own half, southport showed how effective their defence has become. An excellent defensive line and some big tackles kept the Devas at bay and it was southport who would score first from an interception by full back Jodie Eaves who ran the ball all the way to the 5 metre line before being tackled by the opposition covering full back. Captain, no8, Lauren McCluskey picked up from the base of the ruck to power over the line only to have the ball held up. However, second time lucky saw McCluskey again pick from the base of the 5 metre scrum and this time make the try. Unfortunately the conversion was missed and the score stayed at 5-0 going into half time.
With the southport girls going into the second half on a high, the game continued to be a test of both teams resilience as the ball was turned over numerous times by both sides. Some excellent runs by Southport prop Claire Stewart put Devas on the back foot and Southport showed great strength in the scrums managing to turn over more than a couple of Devas put ins. 50 minutes into the game southport came away with the try as no8 Lauren McCluskey crashed over the line for her 2nd of the game. Natalie Burns found her kicking boots and scored the conversion.
Undeterred, Devas fought back and scored twice on the bounce with one converted and one not taking the score to 12-12.
Southport refocused and replied with a 3rd try after McCluskey made a crashing breakaway run and, with a great supporting run from flanker Antonia Richman, popped the ball to her to score under the posts for her first try for the club. This was again converted by Burns and Southport found themselves back in the lead 19 points to 12.
Devas No8 punished the southport defence spotting a gap in the line and crashing through for the try taking the score to 19-17 after the conversion was missed. The Devas again punished Southport as the ball was spun out to their full back who powered over the line. Again the conversion was missed.
The final try of the game was from Devas after a penalty try was awarded for what was deemed to be an off the ball tackle by southport. The final score 19-29.
Man of the match deservedly given to flanker Antonia Richman for her sheer determination, great tackling and fantastic support play.