Carlisle Cougars suffered a 52-17 home defeat to Ryton Ladies but they knew beforehand it would be tough.
Ryton had been demoted to NC1 at the start of the season and haven’t lost a game so far this season.
Ryton started strongly with their quick backs running in five tries before half time, converting three of them for a 31-0 lead.
But the Cougars kept showing great spirit although with several players in new positions, it took a while to find their rhythm.
Although the Cougars showed plenty of determination to put points on the board Ryton added another converted try early in the second half.
However the Cougars were awarded a penalty for a high tackle and they capitalised.
After they inched towards the try line with phase after phase it was eventually vice captain, Vanessa
Hagen who crossed the line to score the first points for the home side.
Fly-half Sarah Smyth added the extras.
After 10 minutes of defending, the Cougars were given another chance, when they won the ball back and made their way back to the try line.
Another penalty given in the Cougars favour, for Ryton entering a ruck from the side, meant a reset and the Cougars launched their attack.
It ended with centre, Rachel Elliott taking advantage of a badly guarded ruck and picking from the back and diving over the line for an unconverted try.
Some injuries to the front row had meant that the Cougars usual second rows, Kim Fitzmaurice and Jess Hetherington stepped into front row berths throughout the game, emphasising the Cougars motto Through thick and thin.
However, Ryton weren’t finished and scored another three tries before the end of the game, converting two of them.
Players of the Match awards for the Cougars:
- Forward: Jess Hetherington;
- Back: Sarah Smyth
- Opposition choice: Vanessa Hagen.
The Cougars next game is away against Lancaster Lionesses on November 23, kick off at 2pm.
The club welcome all supporters.
The Cougars train on Wednesdays between 6.45pm to 8.30pm at Carlisle Rugby Club, and always welcome new players or anyone that wants to give rugby a go.
T1 (non-contact rugby) is also run on Mondays between 7pm and 8pm with Sam Meakin for girls over 12 and women.
