Emotions were high at Mint Bridge as Kendal Wasps delivered their best performance of the season, securing a commanding victory over Manchester, writes Mark Hodgkiss.
The match was the last home game of the season and was played in honour of young footballer Poppy Atkinson.
There was a minute’s silence before kick-off, and the Wasps wore red armbands, tape, and ribbons, with Manchester players wearing the same in a touching display of solidarity.
The Wasps’ previous meeting with Manchester ended in a draw, setting expectations for a tightly contested match. However, from the outset, the Wasps showcased their attacking intent and defensive resilience.
It was a strong start in the first half that saw a Manchester attack in midfield breakdown, allowing Amber Byers to make a break and offload to Hannah Metcalfe, who found India Brennan in space.
Despite having plenty of work still to do, Brennan broke a tackle and dived over for the opening try. Though Tamar Benson’s conversion attempt drifted just wide, the Wasps had laid down a marker.
They quickly built on their lead with an explosive run from Susie Winter, who powered over from the 22-metre line for a second try, this time successfully converted by Benson.
Moments later, Hayley Hodgson capitalised on a moment of defensive hesitation to charge through for the Wasps’ third try, bringing the score to 17-0.
Manchester responded well, displaying good handling and persistence to keep possession under heavy Wasps’ pressure, and their patience paid off as they crossed for a short-range try after 20 minutes, reducing the deficit to 17-5.
Ten minutes later, a defensive lapse from the Wasps allowed Manchester to steal possession and break through for another try, this time successfully converted, tightening the game at 17-12.
The Wasps came out firing after the break, determined to reassert their dominance. A strong carry from a Wasps replacement set the platform for the ball to be worked wide to Hodgson, who finished clinically for her second try of the afternoon.
Another swift interchange of passes saw Emma Lifshitz go over for a try, with Benson adding the extras to extend the lead to 29-12.
Manchester briefly rallied, scoring again down the right wing despite a valiant try-saving tackle from Sarah Wilkinson.
But the Wasps quickly re-established control, with Hannah Metcalfe powering over the try line from close range, followed by Hodgson securing a hat-trick.
Allysia Hine then provided a moment of brilliance, dummying a pass before gliding through the Manchester defence for a try, converted by Benson to make the score 46-17.
Manchester managed one last score, but the Wasps had the final say as Lorne Mellonie crashed over for the final try, with Benson slotting the conversion to seal a 53-22 victory.
Despite the scoreline, Manchester put up strong resistance, testing the Wasps throughout. However, the home side rose to the occasion, delivering their most skilful performance of the season in a fitting tribute to Poppy.
Players and supporters raised £1,800 in the post-match raffle for Poppy’s fundraiser, with prizes generously donated by Newcastle Falcons, the RFU, and local businesses.
Other women’s rugby teams, including Workington Zebra Finches and Driffield Ladies, have also shown their support by donating to the fundraiser, demonstrating the strong sense of community within rugby.
With just two away fixtures remaining – against Liverpool St Helens on April 6 and the rescheduled match at Driffield – the Wasps will look to carry this momentum forward.
Players of the Match
- Forward of the Match: Hannah Metcalfe
- Back of the Match: Hayley Hodgson
- Opposition Choice: Tamar Benson
