National League Division 3
Hartlepool RUFC 10 v Percy Park Panthers 20
The Percy Park Panthers made the short Journey to Hartlepool RFC this afternoon, in their third league game of the season. With the weather less than ideal it was shaping up to be a muddy clash.
The girls started their warm up in heavy rain, but spirts were high, smiles and laughter helping them through.
The first kick of the game went to the visitors and the boot of Lauren Calvert saw the ball soaring towards the Hartlepool ladies, chased hungrily by the returning captain Anna Dryden who hit the recipient with everything she had, causing them to lose the ball allowing the visitors to take early control.
A powerful run by prop for the day Lauren gained precious territory and the quick hands and feet of Sarah Laybourne on the wing saw the Panthers cross over for the first try just 4 minutes into the game. The conversion just wide of the posts.
The restart was gathered cleanly by newbie lock Jenny Wood and she set off for the try line followed closely by fellow second rower Katherine Taylor whose hard work in the rucks was invaluable.
After several strong carries Steph “Roadrunner” Giquel carved her way through the defence scoring a beautiful individual try from the half way line, spurred on by cheers from the dug out of “I need my inhaler”!
The Panthers were now 2 tries up after just 7 minutes on the clock.
The restart failing to go 10 metres and a miscommunication led to a scrum to the Panthers, music to ears of Number 8, Demi Agar breaking off and storming up 30 metres before finally being brought to the ground.
An unfortunate knock on by Park saw the home team gain possession, however the tenacity of Park’s defence gave their fly half (disguised as a prop wearing number 1 ) had no option but to kick for territory and find touch.
With a great throw in from the ever-improving hooker Alex, who had another rumbustious day, the loose ball was picked up by the other Calvert, today playing flank and a welcome addition to the pack.
After being tackled the ball was protected by Dryden and with Chloe Bland at 9 passing the ball out to the expert hands of Moxom at 10 and onto returning centre Bethany Milne, returning from an earlier shoulder injury;the back line looking amazing with Liv Shanks slotting in perfectly.
A lapse in concentration saw the Panthers give away a penalty with Hartlepool kicking to touch to find themselves in the Panthers 22 for the first time of the game.
After winning the lineout the home side tried tirelessly to penetrate the Panthers defence, but this was not to be.
Finally, the speed of the defensive line was too much and forced the error from Hartlepool allowing for some breathing space and an all-important break from the back of the scrum from Agar with Dryden in hot pursuit for the tip.
Another few passages of play saw the panthers penalised for sealing off.
Hartlepool sensing that going through the defence was not going to work opting for a chip and chase, however this was well read by Laybourne who was already tracking back to prevent the try. The ball was cleared once more by Lauren and though Hartlepool regained possession, the physicality of Panthers Jenny Wood caused them to lose the ball in the tackle.
For a few minutes it seemed nobody wanted to hold on to the ball but finally Beth scooped the ball up and set off once more. Unable to capitalise on their dominance Hartlepool regained possession and after 7 try saving tackles by the Panthers the home side finally crossed the white line to score their first try 30 minutes after the game had begun. The conversion falling short.
With the Panthers regaining possession after the restart there was some more excellent handling between the 8 and scrum half.
Despite a strong start possession changed hands once more and it was Hartlepool’s turn to cause some problems. This was to be short lived as the experience of Dom Hepples led to the stealing of the ball and an excellent kick chase followed by Laybourne -on fire today-with the home side penalised for holding on the Panthers tightened their grip and went for the kill, charge after charge with Lauren finally crossing the white wash with what seemed like 4 Hartlepool ladies hanging on to her.
The restart found its way to Jenny again and though the take was magnificent, a great tackle by the opposition caused her to knock on.
Hartlepool took on the challenge spreading the ball wide to the wing. More great tackles and some great rucking by winger Melissa Castanares held off the attack. A crucial scrum to Hartlepool led to a messy pile of bodies but the Panthers taking their foot of the gas for a split second enabled Hartlepool to sneak through, pick up the ball and run through for their second try.
The re-start was gathered well by Hartlepool, but they were stopped in their tracks by a phenomenal tackle from Fullback Caitlin Stokoe, the spilled ball was picked up by Steph who was once again dancing through the defenders.
Hartlepool stole possession only for a crucial jackle by the tireless Anna Dryden to return possession to the Panthers and a lovely link up between forward and back Demi and Mel, saw some beautiful support play between the pair and a lovely try for Mel; a real display of players supporting each other until the job is done.
Though there were a few more opportunities by both sides and some great tackles by replacement Marie Watson, which undoubtedly stopped the home side capitalising on any ground made. The score remained Hartlepool 10 v Panthers 20 and Percy Park had their first senior win of the weekend and the Panthers now stand joint second in National Championship Division 3.
