A gutsy whole team performance secured a big away win for the Woldswomen this weekend. Following a successful win against Sefton last weekend, the team had worked on some key factors at training in preparation to face Kendal, who are well known for their physicality and strength in both defence and attack.
The Woldswomen started exceptionally well with much of the possession, forcing errors and executing key moves and plays, seeing VC Ellie Harding making a break, off-loading to Jaz Naylor for her debut league try on the wing.
Kendal fought back 20 minutes in with a try, bringing the score to a level 5 -5.
Driffield continued to attack, with training field moves coming into play, seeing Ellie Harding over the line with a try of her own to see Driffield leading the way at half time 5-10.
As the second half whistle blew, Kendal came firing out of the blocks, with changes to the pack bringing in a more dominant scrum and scored a brace of tries, taking the lead 15-10.
Undeterred, the Woldswomen set strongly in defence, getting off the line and disrupting Kendal’s play, which forced Kendal to transfer the ball out wide, only for Driffield to cause a nuisance forcing handling errors. A dominant scrum, followed by excellent pick and goes from the pack saw prop Micha Newman driving over the line for the third try of the day, this one converted by Harding to make it 17-15.
A break in defence saw Kendal answer back, regaining the lead to make it 20-17.
The Woldswomen dug deep and, with a clever turn-over by scrum half Shannon Coupland, the team emptied the tank, giving everything they could in the last two minutes of the game, and worked to hit an edge with Harding finding gaps in the tiring defence to score the final try of the game, culminating in a euphoric 20-22 win for the Woldswomen.
Notable mentions :
- Jess Heywood – first appearance for the first team having moved up from development who made some fantastic carries and tackles.
- Kim Pickering – made a nuisance of herself at opposition break downs
- the whole bench – brought an incredible strength and depth to the squad.
The overall improvement for Driffield women early on this season is impressive, already gaining nine points from two games, showing the team’s intent to be more than comfortable within Championship 2 North rugby.
Coaches’ Player – Jess Heywood
Players’ players – Charlie Goode and Sophie Mawer
Opposition’s Player – Skipper Laura Harris
We now look forward to our next league game with our sponsorship game and lunch, taking place on Saturday 5th October.