They went out and started hard. Keeping to the game plan they worked as a unit and started to cover some territory, after 15 mins the first scrum showed the Hartlepool players using their weight advantage, securing the ball, they shipped it straight out to the wing resulting in the first score of the game. The Sharks regrouped and focused on what needed to be done, applied the pressure and a dumy on the Hartlepool centre by the Captian Racheal Kerr resulted in her scoreing her first try of the season. At the half time whistle it was 5 - 5.
After a good talking to by the coach ( Jo Hull ) the Sharks started the second half knowing that they had to play out of their skins to get a win. With renewed vigour they went out there to get it, only Hartlepool must have read the script because they seemed to be able to contain everything the Sharks were trying to put together, moves weren't coming off and Hartlepool seemed to be hitting harder then they were in the first half.
Injuries to 4 players forced substituation's, with players coming on who weren''t fully fit themselves it wasn't know how long they could maintain their advantage for. However with Tamara Taylor and Katy McLean being 2 of the players subbed on this brought some strenght and fresh legs to the game and they both were pivital in setting up the 3rd try which saw 18 year old Sarah Ferguson put it over the line. Final score 15 - 5.
Then end whistle couldn't of come soon enough . Well done to Hartlepool who have really worked hard and turned things around for themselves since the beginning of the season and i am sure they will get their first win soon. The Christmas break will be a chance for the Sharks to recover, heal and hopefully come back in the New Year stronger.
Good Luck to England Women who play the USA on Sat 15th
Try's
Sarah Ferguson
Katy McLean
Rachel Kerr