Carlisle Cougars became the first team to deny Kendal Wasps a bonus point this season when they met at Mint Bridge.
The top-of-the-table hosts won 17-10 after a brilliant display of ladies Cumbrian rugby.
The Cougars started the game strongly and for the first 20 minutes dominated possession and territory with Kendal unable to get out their own half.
After a series of long phases and hard lines from the Cougars forward pack, it was no surprise that Carlisle were the first to get points on the board. Bethan Lloyd went in for the try after a great run down the wing.
Kendal, undefeated for a reason, came back fighting and after a Carlisle error in judgement, Kendal captain Hayley Hodgson intercepted a pass and had a clear run to score their first points of the day.
Carlisle continued to battle strongly, creating great phases of play and really testing Kendal so much so that at 5-5 a worried home side were struggling to find a way through the Cougars defence.
But Kendal continued to force the pace with strong runners in their forward pack and speedy backs round the outside. As a result Hodgson scored a second try, which was converted by Lydia Fleming to lead 12-5 at the break.
Ten minutes into the second half Carlisle sustained a serious injury, forcing a break in the game and when it did eventually re-start could have gone either way. It was seriously hard with both teams leaving every ounce of energy out on the field.
Carlisle’s efforts were rewarded when flanker Kim Fitzmaurice drove her way over the try line, to make Carlisle’s second touchdown.
The Cougars continued to look dangerous, threatening the try line multiple times, but missed out on executing a few scoring opportunities.
With minutes left to play Kendal managed to score a third try by Talia Morton-Kemsley to make sure of their victory.
The teams will face each other for the final time at Kendal on 26th March, where Carlisle are excited to have another opportunity to break the Wasps undefeated record.
For Carlisle Back of the Match – Sarah Pratt; Forward of the Match – Jess Barnes
and the opposition’s choice as Player of the Match – Hannah Musgrave.
