After a long gap due to frozen pitches the Carlisle Cougars finally got back into action – and produced a memorable performance.
They beat the top of the League, Horden Valkyries 17-12 to boost their promotion hopes.
The Cougars tackled the game as if it was the title decider at the end of the season.
From the kick off the Cougars were looking the stronger team and the game plan was to use the speed of the backs as they knew the Valkyries were a strong forward team.
They made a successful start, too, as the ball went through quick hands and travelled out to Bethan Lloyd on the wing who managed to step and go past her opponent to score the first try.
The Valkyries were powerful in the scrums throughout the game but it was Carlisle who scored again when a centre switch so Hannah Musgrave go around the line to score under the posts and Sarah Smyth added the conversion.
This was still not an easy half for the home side as the Valkyries had plenty of pressure only for the Cougars to hold them up over the line.
Into the second half 12-0 up the Cougars did not get complacent against a good side but the Valkyries stepped up and scored a try at the start of proceedings.
The one of the Horden backs made another break, which was taken down by full-back Josie Scrimgour who was penalised for a high tackle and sent to the sin bin.
Another try from the Valkyries forward pack which was converted brought them level and it was now on a knife edge.
In the final 20 minutes both Lloyd and Hannah Musgrave received yellow cards for high tackles meaning the Cougars were down to 13 women.
However, when they were back on the pitch they made a big difference as during the final play Musgrave scored a try and the whistle went.
It had been hard fight but Carlisle stuck at it to the end to register a fine win.
The Cougars next game is the 7th of January, at home against Blaydon.
The players of the match were: Forward: Gina Barnes; Back: Vanessa Hagen; Opposition choice: Sarah Smyth.
