Sharks vs Worcester
11/04/2010
49 - 0
The Sharks took to the field on Sunday with a calm yet bubbling aura. Having established themselves in the league as much more than just a ‘one hit wonder’ by beating 50% of the opposition over the season, this week was all about the performance.
Near perfect conditions for a fast, explosive and expansive game of rugby and a slightly larger group of spectators due to the Wine and Cheese event and the beautiful weather, the home side looked to dominate from the start. Flyhalf Katy Mclean secured the first points for Mowden with 2 out of 3 successful penalty attempts earlier on in the game. The home side looked focussed and determined with some ferocious tackling and devastating footwork across the pitch, this was set to be a tough encounter.
It was Fullback Georgina Roberts that crossed the try line first to score under the posts following some impressive forward momentum and a silky back line move allowing Roberts the space to break the line and dart over. Mclean converted. 13-0.
Worcester kept asking questions of the Sharks defence but it was the home side that had the majority of the ball and persistently began battering away around the breakdown, forcing the opposition to defend their try line for a sustained period. Worcester held strong during the onslaught but the continued pressure eventually became too much to handle as centre Rosie Fong spotted a gap in the midfield during phase play and scampered through to score the first of her brace of tries.
20-0 at half time, although the Sharks held a convincing lead, no complacency was felt as up until this point the game had been very competitive, with the home side capitalising on their chances well. As the second half got under way, Worcester found some momentum and began forcing the Sharks into playing with a little less composure, making breaks down the wing and looking much more dangerous generally. The home side’s strength and unity shone through however as every player’s willingness to work hard for the team was evident. Worcester were denied any points and Mowden turned the flair back on as substitute winger Jen Edwards tumbled over the line for her first, closely followed by opposite winger Sarah Ferguson who obviously didn’t want to be outdone by her teammate!
At 32-0, the Sharks really began to settle into their stride with the pressure obviously beginning to take its toll on the Worcester players. The Sharks forwards fought tirelessly to win clean ball for the backs to run riot and there was some fantastic interlinking play on view across the team. Jen Edwards had to turn on the gas for her brace after some quality handling in the midfield put her into space with a rapid Worcester winger on her tail. Edwards managed to touch down in the corner and with 20 minutes still left to play, the points just kept coming.
Fong claimed her second straight through the middle as she gathered a wayward pass from the opposition backs to scarper down the field and score on the left side. Mclean slotted the conversion.
The final nail in the coffin came from resident Ginga Ninja, Ferguson as some smooth handling again allowed the winger to scurry over the try line in the dying seconds of the game to end the match 49-0 in favour of the Sharks.
A fantastic performance from all 22 players and yet another win under the Sharks ‘ belt. The season has seen the Premiership underdogs rise and rise again, meeting each challenge as it occurs with the strength and passion of a team that truly loves playing rugby together week in week out.
Player of the match (as voted for by Worcester) - Rosie Fong (13)