Sharks v Wasps
07/03/2010
Mowden was blessed with a sunny break this Sunday, which I’m sure our southern visitors were pleasantly surprised to arrive to. Following what seemed like a long awaited return to club rugby, the weather appeared to be a positive omen for the Sharks.
Come the kick off, the Sharks took to the field with purpose and organised for the chase. However, a slow first five minutes ensued, allowing the Londoners to gain confidence from an early break in the midfield and then a try resulting from a lack of quick defensive organisation.
A few stern words later from Captain Tamara Taylor and a missed conversion, the team was back in position with a renewed energy and a more directed focus.
Both the backs and forward units were working well together, providing some quality and exciting expansive rugby from both teams, but especially the Sharks.
The home team hit back mid way through the first half with a well worked crash through the centre from number 8 Taylor, who managed to offload to the wheels on the wing – Jen Edwards, to score their first points. Mclean converted. 7-5.
The action stepped up a gear again as Rosie Fong made some evasive yards through the centre, providing the forwards with some real go forward and field position. With some smooth handling and silky footwork, the Sharks looked dangerous in attack, gaining territory with ease courtesy of Mclean’s boot. The opposition continued to defend hard, denying the Sharks’ onslaught on a couple of occasions. In fact, it was Wasps who claimed the next points as the home team were caught skinny on the blind when defending their try line. A try in the corner for Wasps, but no conversion.
The final points of the first half went in favour of Mowden, as a clever switch in play saw the home side utilise a mismatch on the wing, allowing Morag Patterson to scurry in from just inside the 22. Mclean couldn’t convert but the Sharks went into half time leading by 19 points to 10.
With the second half underway, the crowd remained engaged, as the end to end action continued. Half breaks were made by both teams but a strong defence prevailed meaning the scoreline remained unchanged until the final few minutes of the game despite a penalty opportunity for both sides.
The referee deemed an offload from Mclean to Roberts ‘forward’, who would have been in under the posts were it not for the call.
The final say went to Wasps who caught the home side out with a mismatch on the blind side after multiple phases of play, allowing the winger some room to use her agility and sprint down the wing to add 5 points.
It wasn’t enough to claim victory and the Sharks left the field contented winners after a hard fought and well matched encounter.
Player of the match – Mairead Nee