The Carlisle Cougars were back on home turf against Novos on Remembrance Sunday and won a hard-fought game in wet conditions 12-0.
The Cougars have played Novos on many occasions and know well they are a team who not to be underestimated.
After a minute’s silence and a clap of remembrance for a Novos player we have lost recently, the game started with the weather not on anyone’s side, as the rain poured down.
From the start the Cougars looked like the more dominant team with good lines speed and after a great kick from fly-half Sarah Smyth, the forwards completed the line out and held possession.
From there captain Jes Barnes was able to power through the Novos defence to touch down under the sticks and Smyth was able to convert.
Both teams struggled with the wet ball causing numerous knock-ons and during the half time break the Cougars knew they needed to step up their game.
In the second-half Novos made many breaks which kept the Cougars on their toes as they needed to track back and make the tackles, the best of which by Megan Phillips-Craig was a try saving one. Finally the Cougars got the ball to winger Sarah Pratt and she went over the line for the second try in the corner.
After a great throw in from Hayley Liddle the Cougar completed some great phases for Barnes to carry on and with a push from the girls behind was unfortunate to be held up by Novos.
The Cougars are looking forward to the return with Novos in the New Year and their next game is away at Darlington on 3rd December.
Players of the Match -Forward: Hayley Liddle; Back: Philippa Chadwick; Opposition pick: Vanessa Hagen.
