Carlisle Cougars were narrowly beaten 14-7 against old rivals Novos in Newcastle.
A late converted try gave their hosts the win after they had turned round all-square at 7-7.
The Cougars have played Novos numerous times and knew they were a good, consistent team with some outstanding players.
But Carlisle had won the last, tight game against them so travelled with a degree of confidence.
The weather was not on favourable to entertaining rugby as there was a strong wind with light rain on a very muddy pitch.
In the first half the Cougars had the wind against them and were determined to make a positive start.
After a few forward phases, with the pack making good metres, the backs got their hands on the ball and moved it quickly to full-back Josie Scrimgour.
She cleverly side-stepped a series of Novos defenders to score a fine try under the sticks and Sarah Smyth converted.
However the Cougars could not be complacent as the Novos had a rather special inside centre who would consistently boot the ball into space.
After conceding a penalty the Cougars were forced onto their own line where Novos used their forwards to push the ball over the line and get the touchdown. It was converted to leave the sides locked together at 7-7 when they went into the break.
The second half saw the Cougars backs putting together some fine moves with switches and crash balls.
They were able to dominate the scrums and win good turnover ball but they couldn’t make the breakthrough.
Centre Hannah Musgrave made a superb break to run half the length of the pitch before she was caught.
But it was Novos who finished strongest and the Carlisle defence had to work overtime to keep out a series of dangerous pick-and-goes near the line.
The defence did really well until the dying minutes when Novos managed to get the ball over the line and completed victory with the conversion.
The Cougars had a lot to be proud of in difficult conditions and this coming week-end will be travelling to Workington to play in the County Cup before resuming League fixtures the week after.
Players of the match for Carlisle were: Forward: Gina Barnes; Back: Bethan Lloyd.
Opposition choice: Josie Scrimgour.
