Carlisle Cougars were back in action and were able to celebrate doing the double over Harrogate Ladies with a 29-14 win at Warwick Road.
The Cougars made a strong start and although the Harrogate defence withstood the early barrage it couldn’t stop centre Anna King putting the first points on the board after a burst down the win.
Although the conversion was missed the Cougars were soon over the Harrogate line again.
This time it was fly-half Sarah Smyth who sliced through a gap in Harrogate’s defence to score by the posts. She also added the conversion.
Carlisle continued to dominate and number eight Vanessa Hagen took possession and then outran the Harrogate backs to claim the third try which Smyth converted.
It had been an impressive half but there was a warning in the closing stages when Harrogate made progress in attack for their centre to score a try, which was converted and at the break it was 19-7 to the Cougars.
The second half was a lot closer as Harrogate started with more urgency so that play became more even and open.
Smyth had an instrumental role in winning the ball back for Carlisle and she continued to excel, crossing for her second try although she missed the conversion.
But Harrogate were making a game of it and their lively centre used her speed to get away and touchdown again for another conversion.
The Harrogate star was going in for a third try when she was put onto touch by an excellent tackle from skipper Philippa Chadwick.
The Cougars, however, had the final word and quick hands spread the ball out to new player, Lizzy Kidd out on the wing, who managed to power over the line with a defender ineffectively hanging on to score her first try for the club.
Players of the Match – Forward – Heather Ivinson; Back – Lizzy Kidd; Opposition’s choice – Sarah Smyth.
The Cougars’ next game is a rearranged fixture on Sunday, away against Keswick Falcons.
