Carlisle Cougars faced Keswick for their last away game of the season at the weekend. The sun shone and the Cougars were in bright spirits.
The game started off with a bang, but 11 minutes in, some big tackles resulted in two Cougars off the pitch for the remainder of the game.
The game continued with the Cougars playing one person down.
Vice captain Hannah Wilkinson managed several steals within the rucks, securing possession and leading to the Cougars edging up the pitch using the might of their forwards carries, and over the try line.
The try coming from Wilkinson breaking through several tackles for a powerful forward try. Flyhalf Sarah Smyth missed her conversion.
Keswick shot back, with Ruth Barns crossing the try line, however the conversion was missed.
A few minutes later a Keswick try came from Charlotte Orton, and Vicky Mitchell got the extras.
With Keswick leading by 7 points, the second half was all to play for.
Keswick earned a yellow card for multiple penalties on the try line, and the Cougars capitalised on having equal numbers once again.
Following a Keswick scrum on the 5m line which the Cougars won, a flawless backs move resulted in centre and vice captain Vanessa Hagen, getting a try of her own in. Smyth hit her conversion, equalising the score.
Keswick earning another yellow card, with numbers once again equal, the Cougars tried to take advantage. However, Keswick were defending hard.
Following a line break, Mag Todd crossed the try line for her own try, with Mitchell getting her conversion.
Mitchell got the 4th try for Keswick, but didn’t manage to add the extras.
The Cougars rallied and fought their way back down the pitch. With Wilkinson once taking advantage of a gap and forcing her way over the try line for her second try of the game. Smyth added the extras.
Although some good runs from the Cougars backs, the Falcons were defending well and the final score ended Falcons 24-19 Cougars.
Tries
- Hannah Wilkinson x2
- Vanessa Hagen x1
Conversions
- Sarah Smyth x2
Players of the Match
- Forward of the Match: Hannah Wilkinson
- Back of the Match: Sally Christie
- Opposition of the Match: Hannah Wilkinson
The Cougars’ final game of the season is at home against Trafford on March 30 kick off 2pm.
All supporters are welcome.
Carlisle Cougars train on Wednesdays from 6.45pm to 8.30pm at Carlisle Rugby Club, and always welcomes new players or anyone that wants to give rugby a go.
