Birkenhead Park vs Sharks II
29/11/09
After having travelled down to Birkenhead in adverse weather conditions, the Sharks arrived to be met by a ready opposition and a very muddy pitch.
Fortunately sharks can swim, which meant that pretty soon the sharks were in the oppositions half, the forwards holding possession well, however the condition of the ground and ensuing downpour made it very difficult for anyone to stay on their feet. This coupled with the difficulties imposed upon handling led to several scrums and lineouts.
Sharks remained solid in the scrum, allowing forward of the match Susan Hughes to take full advantage and win some of Birkenhead's scrums. However, despite a strong defence from Sharks, the opposition were awarded 2 penalties close enough for their captain to successfully aim for the posts.
Sharks scrum half Amber Hyde left the pitch due to injury, which forced a little reorganisation, with Heidi Swaffield stepping in to 9. The match saw much rucking and scrummaging, but when the ball did get out into the backs the opportunity was given for back of the match Rosie mangle at 12 to run some great lines and gain ground.
Birkenhead managed to push a try over the line keeping them ahead after several phases close to the Sharks try line. Nevertheless their second attempt was thwarted by a 2 man tackle executed by sharks’ full back and 12, forcing a dropped ball. Birkenhead did attempt to gain ground kicking over the sharks' defensive line, only to find that it was touched down for a 22 drop-out.
At the final whistle, the score was 13-0 to the home team.