Despite another defeat for the Wasps, this was a much improved performance, against a third placed Manchester team who had only lost once this season, away at second place Driffield (although they had also conceded a game to Sheffield), and were the only team so far to have defeated leaders Bishop Auckland, and did it on their ground.

There was standing water from overnight rain on the Main pitch, so the game was moved to the 3G, but apart from some light rain throughout the second half, it stayed relatively dry, without the forecast heavy rain.

The Wasps played in their green shirts. There was a change to the selected team with Ruby Kirkham moving to the bench, captain Kate Birchall moving from fullback to take Kirkham’s back row spot and Sarah Wilkinson coming off the bench to fill the fullback role.

Almost all the play in the first twenty minutes was in the Kendal half, but the game remained scoreless.

The deadlock was finally broken by Manchester with a try from short range which was converted. 0v7

Five minutes later some good handling saw Manchester put their wing over in the corner for a second try 0v12, and it looked as if it could be another long afternoon for the Wasps

Instead they came back, and Manchester did not score again before half time, whilst the half ended with the Wasps on the attack in the Manchester twenty two.

Captain Kate Birchall was leading by example, with a string of tackles to halt Manchester, and making ground with the ball in hand. The pack were working hard, but often looked to make ground down the middle of the field, whilst there was space on the wings.

In the second half Manchester added tries after nine and eighteen minutes the second converted for a 0v24 lead.

The Wasps came back strongly in the last twenty minutes, with a lot of pressure in the Manchester twenty-two, which they were unable to turn into points.

With the Manchester defence having to concede penalties, a centre was yellow carded for coming up too fast (although it appeared the wrong one went off).

Finally the Wasps were rewarded with a try. The ball was moved right and replacement Tamar Benson got the ball to Hayley Hodgson on the wing. She still had a bit to do, but powered through a few tackles to touchdown. 5v24

The Wasps added a second try five minutes later at the end of normal time. There was an excellent break through the centre by Alice Kenyon, who had previously been well policed by the Manchester defence. Whilst she was caught before the line, Sophie Postlethwaite was up in support to take the pass for a try. 10v24

The Wasps seemed keen to look for another score to bring them closer, but Manchester finished on the attack.

This was the last game of the year for the Wasps, who return on 11th January with a trip to seventh placed Liverpool St Helens. Followed by two tough games, first at home to second placed Driffield on the 18th January, then a week later away at current League leaders Bishop Auckland.

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Forward ...............: Amber Byers
Back ....................: Sophie Postlethwaite
Opposition Choice : Kate Birchall

ACTION

TEAM