WASPS PROGRESS TO NATIONAL JUNIOR CUP FINAL!
On a perfect day for rugby, the Wasps welcomed Bletchley to Mint Bridge in the semi final of the national junior cup. Both teams came into the game with unbeaten seasons so far so a tough game was expected.
The game certainly didn’t disappoint the large crowd that had gathered for the game.
The game started with early pressure for the Wasps, the forwards really taking it to the much bigger opposition pack. Kendal went close on a couple of occasions but sadly the final pass wasn’t held. The Bletchley defence was very strong and managed to keep out the early Kendal attacks.
Nessa Temple and Hayley Hodgson were proving to be a handful in the early part of the game, their strong running almost getting them through on a couple of occasions.
The deadlock was finally broken when Abby Bland managed to break through the defensive line and ground the ball despite the attentions of two defenders. The tough conversion was missed.
Bletchley kept coming back at the Wasps with their strong running forwards proving difficult to put down, the Wasps defence was proving to be very strong with some great cover tackling.
Kendal were looking dangerous whenever they had the ball and some excellent handling resulted in their second try of the game through Nessa Temple, again the difficult conversion was missed but Kendal had a 10 nil lead.
The Wasps third try of the game followed shortly after, again good handling put Nessa Temple away and she beat a couple of defenders to score her second try of the game to put the Wasps 15 nil ahead.
The rest of the half was a tough battle with Kendal getting on the wrong side of the referee and gifting Bletchley field position. After numerous penalties, Emma Grunnill was sent to the sin bin after one offence too many. Strong defence from Kendal kept Bletchley out until half time and the Wasps led 15 nil at half time.
The second half almost started in ideal fashion for the Wasps with Tanya Bushell breaking from scrum half but being halted just short of the line. Bletchley came back strongly, with some excellent forward play taking them into the Kendal half. Eventually the pressure told and Bletchley got a well deserved try from one of their props.
The rest of the game became a real battle and the introduction of Bryoni Bland helped the pack to steady the game and strong defence from both teams was great to watch. Kendal went close on a couple of occasions with the Bletchley full back making some great try saving tackles. Kendal were again on the receiving end of several penalties but managed to stay strong and see out the game in the Bletchley twenty two. The referee signalled the end of play and Kerry Proctor hoofed the ball out of play for a fine Kendal win and this sparked mad celebrations for the Wasps!
So the Wasps make the final in what was a great game and every credit to Bletchley who played very well and were a credit to their club.
A great Kendal performance from the whole squad, Laura Mason was named forward of the match and Nessa Temple was back of the match. The Wasps remain unbeaten and through to the national junior cup final which will be on Saturday 11th April at Lichfield RUFC.
The Wasps would like to thank everyone for their support and in particular John Uttley of SBS Cumbria and Andrew and Claire Harvey for their kind sponsorship of the team.