Carlisle Cougars had an extremely hard game at home to Blaydon as their second fixture of the new season and they went down 35-17.
The Cougars had never played Blaydon before so did not know what to expect and it is possible they did underestimate the power of the opposition..
The opening quarter of the game was a level affair but it was Blaydon who took the lead with a try giving the Cougars the push they needed to step up their game.
The response was good as Hannah Musgrave battled through the strong Blaydon defence for an unconverted try, although another try for Blaydon gave them a 10-5 lead at the break.
Going into the second half both teams needed to perform at their best in such a tight contest but it was Blaydon who were next to score with a converted try.
Then one of the opposition players made an amazing line break and went to within five metres of the Carlisle liner. Musgrave appeared to have made a brave, saving tackle only to receive a yellow card while Blaydon were awarded a penalty try.
Despite having a player less Carlisle rallied superbly and Emma Copeland went in for the Cougars’ second try.
The effort of 14 against 15 told, though, even after Musgrave’s return as Blaydon managed to add to their tally with more points on the board.
Credit to the Carlisle side they battled hard to the end and scored the final points when good hands spread the ball wide to Sarah Smyth who went in for a well-taken try, converted by Ash Hendrie.
The Cougars will file this one away as “things to learn in defeat” and be ready for their follow-up game away to Novos in Newcastle.
The players of the match awards went to: Forward – Laura Cunningham; Back – Sarah Pratt and the opposition’s choice of best Carlisle player was Hannah Musgrave.
