What a Difference a Season Makes

Unfortunately while Manchester have struggled to repeat last season's form (although the U15s who have moved up are certainly doing that!), LSH are still currently at the top of the league along with Vale of Lune, our previous opponents. This has made for a very tough run-in to finish a difficult season.

Manchester started well against their visitors with the pack holding its own in the scrum despite LSH’s physical advantage. A few minutes pressure by Manchester was well soaked up however and it wasn’t long before the visitors were pressing for their first score. Manchester’s defence was strong and determined however and refused to allow a run in. Intense pressure resulted in the ball being taken over Manchester’s own 22, conceding a five metre scrum to LSH. Again Manchester refused to buckle and with both sets of supporters applauding Manchester’s defence it was frustrating that the opening try was awarded when it appeared that the ball had been held up.

Manchester shrugged off the disappointment and chased hard from the restart. A well organised LSH side were content to allow Manchester some ball, biding their time. The opportunity soon came and a break out from their own 22 resulted in an excellent second try. An outstanding kicking performance throughout the game (9 out of 12!) started with this try, converted to 12-0

It is understandable when the referee allows the game to flow rather than being too whistle-happy, but the generous advantages for knock ons certainly worked against Manchester who would have preferred a more interrupted game to allow them to settle. Two tries from irresistible pressure by the forwards gave LSH a commanding 24-0 lead after the first third.

The Liverpool St Helens girls showed their class in the middle period when their backs took advantage of the space opening up, perhaps as a result of a tiring home defence. Some slick handling resulted in no less than five well crafted tries being run in during this third to effectively finish the game off (pausing at 57-0), leaving LSH to chase a possibly important points advantage to help their cause in the league title race.

Manchester refused to roll over however and help LSH with this objective. In fact, some determined defence eventually turned into counter attack and a hopelessly offside LSH team were penalised just inside their half. Ellie Davidson showed great awareness with a quick tap-and-go to Casey Thompson who took the ball forward with Ellie chasing in support. As the ball was lost, Ellie hacked on but the bounce took it into touch with LSH still at sixes and sevens.

This was a wake up call for the visitors but Manchester had stemmed the flow and LSH had to wait a good eight minutes before they could break the deadlock of the final third.

Manchester pressed hard for a well-earned consolation try as the game drew towards a close but couldn’t break down the well drilled defence. Perhaps it was inevitable that rather than a home score, two breakaways were conceded to give LSH an emphatic 78-0 final scoreline.

Instead of just giving a home side view of the match, it is good to be able to quote the LSH coach who commented that our girls “showed fantastic spirit throughout and were a real credit to the club and the game in general”. We agree of course and look forward to a revival in our fortunes next season with the preparations starting now!

Liverpool St Helens are now the benchmark for U15s girls’ rugby in the North West and we appreciate their support in loaning us players from their impressive squad – thanks to Saffy and Molly (both scorers last time out against Barnsley) and to Sophie and Daisy (on Sunday) …we couldn’t have asked for more committed team mates.

Some great photos by Liz Broadbent here>>>
https://picasaweb.google.com/115231797605651435788/RugbyManchesterGirlsU15sVLSHSun03Apr11?feat=email#