Ladies Battle Against the Elements

Match Report: Paul Constantine

The ladies travelled to Cumbria to play the recently relegated Carlisle side. We anticipated a tough game and so it proved.

With the wind howling and the rain falling we kicked off and soon Carlisle applied pressure to our line. With our forwards gaining the upper hand we started to come into the game and following a kick and chase down field Sian Taylor brought down the full back 10 meters form the posts and the rest of the team followed up and with Carlisle struggling Charlotte Lewis crashed over to score. The first half Darlington started to impose but good defence by Carlisle on the line and a try saving tackle 3 meters form the line prevented Sian Taylor going over after a well worked backs move she outstripped the defence but caught just shy. Good defence prevented us scoring again.

At half time Darlington led 0-5

With the wind in their faces Darlington kicked off and it was obvious the No.9's instructions for Carlisle were to play the ball in the Darlington half and she consistently kicked with the wind into the corners putting Darlington back into our own 22. They started to up the play and soon crashed over for a try. Darlington had their chances and some crashing runs from the backs not quite making their way through but Darlington's defence was brave but ultimately with the pressure on the line the defence let some through and another 3 tries were scored to finish with Carlisle winning and playing the conditions to their advantage.

A good performance by Darlington with no one hiding Ormskirk next week in another top of the table clash.

Final Score Carlisle 24 - 5 Darlington.