Compared to the game earlier in the season at Mint Bridge, this was a much improved performance by the Wasps, but they had no answer to a Carlisle Cougars team with a good blend of experienced and young players.

Apart from a spell just before half time, when they lost two players from the front row, the Wasps pack won their own ball at the scrum, but were always under pressure, meaning that the backs had few chances, and when they got the ball the Cougars defence was good.

With the Cougars having so much ball, the Wasps defence did well to keep the score down to just three tries, with Kate Birchall playing in the back row, putting in a number of solid tackles, which put much bigger opponents down.

The Cougars opened the scoring after ten minutes with a try from short range by their No.6, following a scrum, which tied the Kendal pack in. 5v0

It took until after twenty five minutes of play before the Cougars could extend their lead, when their experienced centre burst through, and wrong footed the Kendal fullback to score, with their outside half adding the conversion.

12v0 at half time.

The only score of the second half came again from the Carlisle No.12 who scoped up ball when the Wasps lost it, after their scrum was under pressure on the twenty two.

The Wasps best chance of scores came from a number of interceptions, but each time the ball did not quite go to hand.

A frustrating afternoon for the Wasps backs, who without good ball were unable to test their opponents, but the pack did well to hold a strong opposition.

Next game scheduled at Mint Bridge is against Halifax on Sunday 23rd.

Team