Wet Park Leeds

The weather conditions were far from ideal but both sides set to the task at hand with some determination. Manchester were the first to make the breakthrough with a try from Jess Johnson, converted in some style by Izzy Worsley. (…apparently the technique used couldn’t be repeated even if Izzy wanted to!).

Two evenly matched sides battled out the half with West Park Leeds able to grab their first try, swiftly followed up as half time approached with a converted score. At 12-7 to the visitors, both sides knew that the match was still there for the taking.

Flowing rugby became impossible as the rain continued to fall after the break and both ball and ground became difficult to manage. Some liberal but sensible refereeing kept the game moving in recognition of the difficult conditions. However it was Manchester that looked the more likely to break the second half deadlock.

The team were disappointed to have a try disallowed after Izzy forced herself over the line. With team mates and opponents readying themselves for the conversion attempt however, play was brought back to an earlier Manchester penalty. Izzy had been adjudged to have made a double-movement in reaching over the line and the played advantage could not be allowed.

Izzy’s second “try” was denied by a clumsy high tackle when she seemed certain to score. Unfortunately the referee did not consider there to be enough certainty for a penalty try to be awarded as a result (which would ultimately have probably given Manchester the match) and Manchester remained frustrated.

Manchester certainly deserved at least their losing bonus point for being only five points adrift. Having won the away fixture in Leeds, to have come so close to a double over WPL was very disappointing.