Carlisle Cougars rounded off their 2024 programme with a convincing 41-5 win over Keswick Falcons.
They will resume their fixtures at Horden and Peterlee on January 5 2025.
Keswick had some decent possession and although a strong attack ran into a Cougars defence which was even stronger.
Carlisle put the first points on the scoreboard with an unconverted try from centre Hannah Musgrave before Keswick hit back quickly with a try of their own from Charlotte Orton.
Winger Megan Phillips-Craig restored the Carlisle lead when she raced down the flank and got through the Falcons defence.
Musgrave then took over by completing her hat-trick with the Cougars third and fourth tries before half-time, with one being converted by stand-off Sarah Smyth.
One of them had come from an excellent steal by centre Hannah Sherlock, and a backs move orchestrated by Smyth.
It had been a big finish to the first-half from the Cougars and they opened the second-half in similar fashion.
Sherlock broke through the Falcons defence to add another try to the scoreboard and Smyth added the conversion.
Although Musgrave was yellow carded, the loss of a player did not trouble the rampant home side who still; defended resolutely when they needed to.
With ten minutes left Sally Christie made a surging, long run down the wing, to add another try to the Cougars growing total.
In the last minute a combined forward and backs move ended with captain Philippa Chadwick crossing for the final try which was converted by Smyth.
Players of the Match
- Forward of the Match: Caitlin Orr
- Back of the Match: Megan Phillips-Craig
- Opposition choice as Player of the Match: Hannah Musgrave
A Cougars spokeswoman said: “We always welcome new players and training is Wednesdays 6.45pm to 8.30pm and will resume in the new year.
“The Cougars would like to thank all the supporters for coming to watch, and Karen Phillips-Craig for taking photos of the game.”
