Wasps 22 (17) v (7) 20 Southport

A game of two halves – the Wasps dominated the first half to build a 17v0 lead, before Southport scored a converted try with the last action of the first half. In the second half Southport had the better of play, and two converted tries saw them tie the scores, before a penalty with less than ten minutes to play seemed to have won them the game, especially when the Wasps failed to convert a late penalty of their own – but there was to be a sting in the tail.

Despite their loss at Sefton a fortnight ago the Wasps started the day in second, but Southport had only played two League games, a win against Manchester (their only loss in four games) and like the Wasps a loss against Sefton.

Some changes in the Wasps squad, with Clare Geldard and Susie Winter retuning, but no Kate Birchall, Tamar Benson or Hayley Hodgson. A number of players moved in to higher numbered shirts with Allysia Hine coming in at outside half and Lorne Mellonie moving into the centre. Sarah Wilkinson took on the Captaincy.

Wasps had the better of the opening exchanges but could find no way through a well organised Southport defence.

Sophie Postlethwaite had a number of good runs down the left wing, but each time players got back to catch her.

The break through finally came after a quarter of an hour. Clare Geldard appeared to be tackled, but powered out of it to score, with Lydia Fleming adding the conversion 7v0.

Southport were having the better of the lineouts, with the Wasps stronger at the scrum and the second try late in the second half came from a strong scrum. When the ball came out there were good runs from Sarah Wilkinson and then Clare Geldard. Both were stopped but when the ball went out to fullback Ellie Dixon she went through to score. 12v0

The restart kick went to Clare Geldard on the right wing, who set off on a run across the field ending up on the right. When stopped she got the ball away to Sarah Wilkinson who had done well to get in support. She made ground, then got the ball away to Geldard to go through for her second try, but then had to leave the field, although she did return after half time. 17v0.

The Wasps seemed to be comfortable even when against the run of play Stockport got a good converted try with the last move of the half. 17v7 at half time.

Southport came out stronger after half time and narrowed the gap with a second try after seven minutes 17v12, then tied the scores with a third after quarter of an hour, 17v17.

Southport were looking the better team, whilst the Wasps were struggling, possible disrupted by regular changes in personnel, and too often kicked ball away poorly to let Southport set up attacks, retaining the ball for long passages of play with good recycling.

With under ten minutes to play, the Wasps seemed unfortunate to be penalised when a player stole a ball which appeared to be out, but the referee thought otherwise and Southport put the kick over to take the lead. 17v20

The Wasps came back, but twice long penalty kicks to the corner failed to find touch, allowing Southport to clear.

Then when awarded a penalty in front of the posts the kick drifted wide.

In added time a penalty was run, but Southport stole the ball and put it to touch clearly thinking it was the last play of the game, but the referee decided otherwise.

The lineout was won and the Wasps pack drove powerfully to the line, but could not get across. A player broke away but could not get across, but when the ball came back, whether by accident or a planned move the perfect player for the job was in position. Second row Amber Byers was already on the move when she took the ball and powered to the line, even then the Southport defence stopped her, but she reached over to dab the ball down for the match winning try, to much celebration from her teammates. A rare, but important try for a beaming member of the hard working front five.

The final score moving the Wasps from a single losing bonus point to five points with the try scoring bonus point.

Not a game which will go down in the memory for quality or entertainment, but two closely matched teams and you can’t beat (especially if a Wasps supporter) the excitement of the final score.

Plenty to think about for the Wasps players and coaching team, before next weekend the two League leaders meet, with unbeaten Sheffield the visitors, having got a fourth win of the season this weekend 35v17 at home to Sefton. NB This game is AWAY not at Mint Bridge as originally advertised.

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Southport try scorers taken from their report but order may be different