Southport Match Report – 21/10/12
Hoppers Ladies start their season in style in sunny Southport!
After having our first 3 matches cancelled, the Hoppers Ladies were itching to get on the pitch and get stuck in. We had a full squad of 20, even with many regular players out injured or with other commitments. Southport had some last minute call offs and could only field a team of 13. Captain Mel and Vice Wendy made the decision to play 13’s to ensure the ladies got a chance to play after all their hard work at training.
Southport kicked off the game and it wasn’t long before the speedy Hoppers backs were showing their stuff. The ball was quickly recycled and shipped out to Vice Captain Wendy on the left wing, who showed excellent pace and scored the first try under the sticks in the first few minutes. The try was converted by Captain Mel. Both Captain and Vice lead from the front and played their hearts out. Mel with her trade mark dummy passes, big hits and charging runs. Wendy ran all over the pitch, stole plenty of ball and was always there in support.
The Hoppers continued to play fast rugby and kept Southport under pressure. Fly Half Stacey controlled the backs well and used her pace and power to get two trys of her own. Full Back Kady also showed how dangerous she could be with some impressive running and evading countless tackles throughout the game, touching down in the corner just before the end of the first half. There was also some excellent running; passing and support play from Centre Mie and Winger Shirley, working in unison with the rest of the backs to show off some impressive rugby. Hannah made an impact in the second half with some impressive runs and try saving tackles, also Helen had a super first game with some storming runs.
The Forwards dominated the numerous scrummages of the game. Hooker Kelly Singleton stole many balls against the head and scored her try in style leaping over the bodies in the ruck. Props Rachel Sullivan and Anna Classens showed that the forwards can run to, breaking through many tackles and stealing ball at the breakdown. When the speedy Southport Winger ran the full length of the pitch, it was Anna who smashed her into touch with a fantastic try saving tackle. Flankers Hayley and Jennifer were strong in open play and in the line outs, stealing all but one of Southport ball and winning all of their own. Second Rowers Kathryn and Rachel also worked hard, securing kick off ball and putting in some big hits.
The new players had such a fantastic debut that they were all awarded ‘Player of the Match’. Hannah, Sophie, Helen, Louise, Emma, Jenny and Ana were all fantastic. Special shout out goes to Ana’s spectacular ‘Chris Ashton’ swan dive try. Many thanks to Coach Maz for all her help, advice and screaming from the side lines.
It was a great game of rugby, played in very good spirits. Southport never gave up and exploited some weak tackling to get two converted trys. The score at half time was 0 – 29 and the final score was 14 – 36.
Next week the Hoppers Ladies are playing at home against Ormiskirk – 28/10/12.
