Woman’s National 3 North
Percy Park RFC Panthers 12 v Blaydon RFC Red Kites 7
Blaydon see yellow as Gullian excels in the mud
A hard-fought physical game dominated by the panthers racked up another win for the ever-improving ladies’ team from Preston Avenue.
Looking sharp in their new kits sponsored by PGS Law, Emerald Legal Services and Health and Safety Training Ltd. The panthers set up to face local rivals Blaydon for the second time this season. With the last game finishing in panthers favour this was a pivotal game for the ladies at home wanting to assert their dominance in the league.
With the pitch bearing the scars of a busy weekends Rugby the girls won the toss and chose to receive the ball.
A strong start with powerful Runs from Lauren Calvert and Steph Giquel charging through the defensive line of Blaydon. Smart, swift rucking by the panthers enabled clean ball for scrum
Half Chloe Bland to get the ball away.
With the Panthers dominating the scrum Blaydon were charged back on both scrums though some early pushes penalised the overzealous black and whites.
Replacement line out jumper Vicky Moxom shifted between the line outs and full back, her jumping clinical and effective, to the delight of the balcony.
Though the team does boast some senior players there are plenty more new players developing through and for some this was only their second game. Charlotte Gullian our winger played a full game and was sensational - definitely one to watch for the future.
The girls played with maturity and great structure, taking their well worked drills from training onto the pitch. Supporting play was vastly improved from their recent game against Stockton and this enabled them to penetrate the gain line on several occasions.
Clever kicking by Blaydon’s backs putting a great deal of pressure on the panthers.
The return of Nesha Wood was welcomed with her snaking Runs and powerful rucking taking Blaydon by surprise
A lack of discipline saw Blaydon receiving the only yellow card of the day, followed swiftly by a second for their coach.
The girls held their resolve until the final whistle and totally deserved the win. Forward of the match went to Alex for her hard work in the rucks and great hands under the high balls, our back of the match Caitlin who made some amazing try saving tackles and was all over the pitch.
With plenty to work on in the next 3 weeks before heading down to Houghton the girls will re charge and go again but the future is looking bright.
