Carlisle Cougars secured a hard-fought 26-19 victory over Boston Ladies in a thrilling Papa Johns tie at Warwick Road.
It was a match that kept the fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The Cougars started strongly after holding-up the visitors’ early attempt at a try and 20 minutes in they scored the opening try. Winger Sally Christie crossed with Sarah Smyth adding the extras.
Boston rallied and were awarded a penalty try after a high tackle near the try line and as a result Smyth was given a yellow card and the sides were level at 7-7.
The visitors capitalized on this momentum, and with the Cougars down to 14 they scored an unconverted try soon afterwards.
Boston continued to look dangerous and before the break they added a converted try to establish a useful half-time lead of 19-7.
Carlisle needed to up their game and they hit back soon into the second-half through a powerful effort from Vanessa Hagan who charged over the line for an unconverted try.
The Cougars then drew level with a superb team move, culminating in Sarah Pratt diving over for a try with Smyth converted to make it 19-19 with 15 minutes left.
Boston fought back once more, but Carlisle defended well and clinched the tie three minutes from the end.
Hannah Farrell dived over for the deciding try, following a strong run and clever support play. Smyth once again made no mistake with the conversion to give Carlisle the lead again.
Boston were given a late glimmer of hope when Carlisle skipper Philippa Chadwick was shown a yellow card but they could not find a way through the Cougars strong defence.
The victory saw the Cougars continue their impressive form, with key contributions from Christie, Hagan, Pratt, and Farrell, and solid kicking from Smyth.
Boston put in a strong challenge, but couldn’t quite break through the Cougars’ defence in the final stages, but will no doubt take heart from a competitive performance.
Players of the Match
- Forward of the Match: Caroline Abbot
- Back of the Match: Emma Copeland
- Opposition choice for player of the match: Sarah Smyth
The next game is a home fixture on Saturday December 14 against Keswick Falcons.
The Cougars always welcome new players, training is Wednesdays from 6.45pm to 8.30pm at Warwick Road.
