Cougars win on home soil.

Sunday saw Carlisle take on Darlington in the wet and blustery conditions at their warwick road home. After a long break due to fixture cancelations and postponements the Carlisle team took to the field against a well drilled Darlington side, who were one place above them in the league.

Playing against the wind in the first half the Cougars knew they had to battle hard and hold the visitors out. The visitors took advantage of the wind and kicked down field numerous times looking to gain possession and get points on the board. The tactic proved successful when an overlap was created and their number 13 crossed the line for an unconverted try after 15 minutes.

The Carlisle team regrouped and although they spent long periods defending their try line they kept the Darlington side out. Tamsin Clark playing her first game at fullback, along with wingers Alex Early and Ashley Lloyd marshalled the kicks effectively running ball back at Darlington at every opportunity.

The Cougars knew they would have the wind in the second half so were happy to go in only 5 points down at half time. The tactics from the off were to pin the visitors back using the boot, this created pressure which the Cougars managed to convert into points.

The first try for the home side came from a strong scrum which allowed number 8 Kathryn sharpe to power over the line. The driving maul from the line out was working well, holding the opposition forwards in and allowing space for centres Katie Graham and Kelly McCullough to punch through, and each get on the scoreboard with a try.

The final score of the day came from fly half Bethan Lloyd pouncing on spilled ball and using her pace to get over the whitewash first to ground the ball. Lisa Ritchie slotted over the conversion to give the Cougars a hard fought 24-5 victory.

The Cougars next home game is on Sunday against Hull. Come and support the ladies team as they look to keep their unbeaten home record this season. The Cougars are always looking for new players, no experience necessary. Contact details on Carlisle RFC website.