A quick return game against the Panthers, who the Wasps had visited just under a month ago, only securing victory very late on.

After the selection struggles in recent away games, the Wasps named a very strong squad, and despite still missing Claire Geldard, were able to name India Brennan and Sophie Postlethwaite on the bench, with Hayley Hodgson (returned from Florida) on one wing and Sarah Wilkinson on the other.

Despite having yet to win a game (their “win” was a walkover against otherwise unbeaten Liverpool St Helens) the visitors had run both Harrogate and Sefton close recently, as well as the late narrow loss to the Wasps.

The weather was better than on Saturday, when a game on the ground had had to be called off, but was still cold with occasional showers.

The Panthers had the better start and put the Wasps under pressure for a long period, and offered a simple penalty after ten minutes, possibly remembering how close the last game had been, the kick was taken. 0v3.

The Wasps came straight back and after a few missed opportunities, took the lead when good handling release Hayley Hodgson on the left to score 5v3.

The Wasps continued to have the better of play, but a string of handling errors meant there was no further score at half time.

The Wasps pack was re-jigged at half time, but continued to dominate, but more uncharacteristic Wasps handling errors, mostly poor passes rather than the fault of the receiver, and delays at taking penalties, plus some excellent defence by the Panthers, meant there was no score for the Wasps. On the rare occasions when the Panthers had the ball, they used it well, but the Wasps defence was as solid as ever.

Finally after twenty minutes the Wasps got a breakthrough with a move off the training ground. A penalty was put to touch, the lineout won but instead of moving the ball wide, the ball went to Susie Winter who looped back around the front of lineout and down the touchline to score. 10v3.

The Wasps continued to dominate, but could not find a way through to put themselves a second scores clear and the Panthers came back at the end (possible helped by some refereeing decisions, with the totally dominant Wasps scrum being penalised twice), but the Wasps held out to avoid a score to tie the game. When the ball was turned over, Hayley Hodgson kicked to touch to end the game.

Team mascot Reggie must have had his head in his paws at times, also wondering when his companion was coming on – and when she did worrying that it was to replace Megan Byers, but Sophie Postlethwaite took her normal spot on the wing, with the versatile Sarah Wilkinson moving to the back row.

Again it was clear that other team’s defences have improved significantly this season, and can match the Wasps standards, so the Wasps will need to think faster, and cut out the handling errors, to get the scores needed for victory.

Next game is away at Manchester on the 8th December, before returning to Mint Bridge a week later for their last game of the year against Liverpool St Helens.

Back of the Match : Allysia Hine
Forward of the Match : Susie Winter
Opposition Choice : Kate Birchall

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