A top of the table clash lived up to its status as two evenly matched teams battled it out to maintain their 100% records.
On a humid afternoon next to the Mersey the match started and it wasn’t too long before the first try, unfortunately it was for Birkenhead as their back row broke through the defence to score under the posts within 3 minutes. The ladies rallied and kept the ball well as our pack showed their no push over when called into action, however the resistance was broken as again the Birkenhead backs slipped through the gaps in the defence scoring in the corner.
A quick team meeting was called as the conversation was missed and a more determined Darlington turned up and showed much more gusto not only to stop Birkenhead scoring again but also to try and put the opposition under pressure in their half. The Darlington strength showed and Birkenhead were quite clearly startled as Darlington inched closer and closer to the try line getting within 5 meters before being turned over and a relieved Birkenhead hoofed the ball back from where it came. A third try for Birkenhead followed on 32minutes again being forced to score in the corner meaning he resulting conversion was missed. Birkenhead knew they had a game on their hands and were lucky to get in at half time 17 points to nil.
The second half was dominated by Darlington’s forwards as this was the safest place for the ball to stay and it wasn’t long into the second half until the fight back started as the forwards pushed a rare opportunity arose for fullback Maddie the weave through and score under the posts on 50minutes the conversion unfortunately drifted wide, but the belief was back and the game was on. Birkenhead tried to get back into the game by using all their subs through the second half, but nothing they tried was coming off and frustration from the Birkenhead ladies could heard all over the pitch. Darlington could and should have scored more but with the clock counting down a last minute attempt of a try was in vain as Taz tried to force her way over only to be held up in the final play of the match.
Darlington unlucky in defeat but the effort they showed proved that they can do great thing s this season. Next up is Hull on Sunday 9th and I wouldn’t like to be in the Hull team for that game!!!


Player of the Match - Hayley Morrison