Sharks vs Saracens
13/12/2009
Saracens met Sharks on their home turf this time for this, the return fixture. Despite some incessantly poor weather conditions recently, Mowden’s green was looking in top condition which helped raise spirits all round.
The match began very positivity for the home team as they capitalised on some early pressure to secure a penalty. Three points courtesy of England flyhalf, Katy Mclean. Saracens hit back soon after with some well worked pressure down the left wing and a momentary lack of concentration. A lucky bounce aided the Sarries winger to open their account. The try was not converted.
Following the initial frenzy, both teams offered some scintillating play incorporating fantastic forward mobility and silky handling in the backs. Both units combined to produce some great momentum on the left flank, resulting in Canadian International “Roo” Chintoh galloping into space and causing Saracens to rethink their defensive strategy.
The assault continued, headed up by “Smashley” Wright who was making some excellent breaks, carving up the opposition defence as well as staying typically strong as the last line of defence.
The Sharks looked like a quality outfit and combined with the class of their opponents, the game made exciting watching.
Later on in the first half, a great forward break by captain and England International Tamara Taylor, was hunted down by the on form Ruth Nash, who took Taylors offload and sprinted for the line to score the Sharks first try. Mclean couldn’t convert.
The two sides took half-time at 8-5 to the home team.
After the break, both teams reappeared all guns blazing , but it was the Sharks who remained on top with some fantastic interlinking support play and desire. Then, the ball moved wide off set piece saw rapid Winger Jen Edwards receive the ball in space, round her opposite number and beat the fullback in contact to score in the left corner.
The home team really was flying, at this point producing an entirely different exhibition to their first encounter with Saracens at the beginning of the season.
Saracens, despite being eights point down at this point, raised their game and began exerting their authority in the set piece. Some good territorial possession allowed the opposition to pile the pressure and although Sharks defended hard and with great passion for an extended period of time, Saracens scored a try through a driven scrum. T he try was converted.
The Sharks did not let this setback affect them and they came back hard at their opponents, fighting for every last inch. Unfortunately, the dominant set piece of Saracens meant the home team struggled to gain territory and after soaking up another period of pressure, the opposition finally penetrated the Sharks defence and with the help of another lucky bounce, scored on the left wing.
Following a truly riveting and well matched encounter, the last few minutes of the game ended with another Saracens try on the left side, as a result of some hard running lines and a missed tackle. Although disappointed to have lost 13-22, the Sharks took a huge amount of confidence from the quality of rugby that had been on display, testament to the hours of hard work put in by every member of the squad.
The team now looks forward to a refreshing break and the opportunity to battle with the next opposition to travel to Mowden in the New Year.
Player of the Match – Ashley Wright
Forward of the Match – Ruth Nash
Back of the match – George Roberts