Carlisle Cougars put up an excellent effort against League leaders Kendal Wasps when the two county women’s sides met in their first derby of the season.
Kendal are unbeaten so far and the Cougars knew it would be a tough game, but they started really well to establish a 12-0 lead.
They were all square 12-12 at half-time and Kendal went on to show their extra know how and experience to win the game 38-17.
The Cougars had started well as Kendal struggled to make their tackles count. Carlisle’s forwards ran strongly and in the early stages the backs created plenty of overloads and attacking play.
It wasn’t long before Carlisle scored two tries in quick succession by scrum half Phillipa Chadwick and centre Hannah Musgrave. Ash Hendrie converted one.
It took until the 23rd minute for the Wasps to open their account and it came after a spell of pressure in the Cougars 22, Cath Sewell took a quick tap penalty and number eight Susie Winter drove over for the try which Tamar Benson converted.
Five minutes later the Wasps were level after a slick move from the backs, saw Winter go over again following a pacey run from winger Indie Brennan.
At half time it was everything to play for at 12-12 but there was more than a hint that Kendal had found their rhythm and would go on to win.
So it proved as the game was fast paced, and Kendal utilized their opportunities well. Their momentum started to build in the second half and the Cougars just couldn’t keep up.
The Wasps got ahead for the first time seven minutes into the second half when Hayley Hodgson was left with too much room and she exploited to the full. Benson converted.
After twenty minutes a series of penalties put the Wasps in a strong attacking position and they were eventually able to capitalise with an unconverted try by Brennan.
Kendal scored again from the restart after Winter ran the ball back at Carlisle before sending Hodgson powering away for the try which Benson converted.
The Cougars were challenged with a number of injuries in the second half, but they continued to fight hard and were rewarded when Emma Barron got over for an unconverted try.
The game actually ended with the Cougars on the attack looking for another try, only for a pass to be intercepted by Hodgson, who went away almost from halfway for her third try. Benson converted.
Back of the Match for Carlisle was Sarah Pratt; Forward of the Match was Emma Barron and Player of the Match picked by the opposition was Phillipa Chadwick.
The Cougars next game is this Sunday November 13 against Darlington at Carlisle Rugby Club while the Wasps are at home on Sunday afternoon to Blaydon Red Kites.
