After conceding two converted tries in the first ten minutes (one converted from a wide position), to a Keswick side who on this performance looked more than capable of holding their own in their new League, the Wasps came much more into the game, scoring two tries of their own, and the final score could have been closer.

The Wasps scrum was on top for much of the game, and handling seemed much improved on last season, whilst in defence the Wasps did well against a speedy Keswick back division.

The pick of the backs (for me) was a new outside half, whilst in the pack front row Hannah Metcalfe at times was like an extra back row, repeatedly popping up in support to take passes to keep the Wasps moving forward.

One concern was an injury to wing Sophie Postlethwaite shortly after she came on

The game was ended twenty minutes early after the end of third quarter. Not sure if this was due to threat of lightening (which did not come, despite some thunder) or what was probably close to a doubling the Summer’s rainfall in the twenty minutes following the end of the game.

Whether the Wasps can bounce back to join Keswick next season, may depend if a few more not involved, are available once the League season starts at the end of September,

Those involved included (but there were a lot more)

The Wasps start their League season at home to Peterlee and Horden on 27th September - when Keswick will start their new season away at Liverpool St Helens

A week later (4th October) the two teams meet again in the Intermediate Cup (also at Mint Bridge)