Sharks vs Lichfield 28/03/2010
Another beautiful afternoon at Mowden and an exciting mid-table clash to whet the appetite of the rugby regulars.
Lichfield, this weeks visitors boast an array of internationals and proved to be extremely worthy adversaries from the onset.
The Sharks hit first with a penalty from flyhalf Katy Mclean following a short period of possession in the opposition 22. 3-0.
The home team continued to capitalise on their early pressure, making good ground through the centres and dominating play generally. A momentarily lapse in concentration however, allowed Lichfield to break around the side of a ruck and despite some quality cover defence and a period of high pressure defending on the Sharks try line, the opposition managed to sneak over on the blind. 3-5.
Determined to avenge the mistake, the Sharks flew out of the blocks again and really began taking it to the visitors. Forcing Lichfield into making handling errors and then earning a penalty within kicking distance, Mclean was denied by the points by a tall white skinny thing (not Tam), but a marker had certainly been laid down.
Soon after, the Sharks forced Lichfield to clear their lines after pinning them on their try line for an extended period. Some fantastic bravery from winger Morag Paterson saw one kick deflected back and a couple of phases later Heidi Swaffield put her head on the line once again to deny the opposition any respite. A lucky ricochet allowed centre Georgina Roberts to snatch the ball out of the air before it went dead to score for the Sharks. 8-5.
Spurred on by the familiar chants of the crowd, the home team were able to capitalise on the momentum with further territory and pressure as Mclean slotted a penalty in front of the posts to take the score to 11-5 at halftime.
Lichfield came out fighting hard after the break with a well worked try near the back left corner following numerous phases and a tactical swing in play. The Sharks were caught skinny and Lichfield began to take the upper hand, forcing silly errors from the Sharks, who conceded a penalty due to offside. Lichfield took the points to take the lead again 11-13.
This seemed to shock Mowden into action and once again they began to perform, pouncing on a dropped ball from the kick-off then moving the ball out with purpose. Mclean spotted her chance and duly accepted the 3 points awarded for her drop goal, edging her team back out in front at 14-13.
Another penalty opportunity arose but Mclean could not convert, however the pressure was mounting and eventually a back line move run from lineout allowed Mclean to sneak through a gap in the defence and score under the posts. 21-13.
All credit to Lichfield who didn’t let the score stifle their efforts, and following some smooth handling and pressure on the Sharks try line, the opposition pack managed to pile over the try line and were awarded a controversial try. 21-18.
With only 10 minutes remaining, the game really was hanging in the balance. Both teams traded play and a few half breaks from both sides kept the supporters on edge.
Lichfield missed a penalty opportunity late on and just when Mowden thought the game would never end, the opposition stole the ball in a breakdown, moved it wide but were denied any further chances to snatch victory by a handling error on the wing.
Final result 21-18 in favour of the Sharks. Another hard-earned victory for a consistently progressive team enjoying the pressures and challenges of the top flight of Women’s Rugby.
Congratulations to the Sharks!
Forward of the match (as voted by Lichfield) Roo Chintoh (number 5)
Back of the match (as voted by Lichfield) Nikki O’Donnell (number 15)