Wasps Win Tight Encounter

This was the closest contested Wasps game that I have seen, with Preston Grasshoppers looking a far better team that their league position may suggest. The Wasps took the lead four times only to be pegged back by the Hoppers, before a late try sealed victory.

The early exchanges were fairly, even with the Hoppers probably having the better of play, with some very good handing, whilst a few Wasps passes went astray to stop them building up any momentum.

It took twenty five minutes for the deadlock to be broken, with a try from Wasps outside half Fleur Stanton (?), after a good run by left wing Rowan Boardley (?) 5v0.

The lead lasted just two minutes. The first try had initially been set up by a kick through, but when this tactic was repeated from the kick off it didn’t work so well, as a Hoppers player gathered well and set off down the left wing for an equalising score 5v5.

As the half came to an end the Wasps spent a long time defending their line, only to then break away and centre Hayley Hodgson added the second try, after a good run down the right wing by Emily Elshaw, Hodgson converted her own try for a half time lead of 12v5.

Five minutes after the re-start the Hoppers were back on level terms with a converted try of their own after a good run from a lineout. 12v12

Seven minutes later the Wasps had the lead again when centre Sarah Wilkinson broke through 17v12.

Again the Hoppers were quickly back on level terms this time taking three minutes to add their third try 17v17.

After twenty three minutes of the half Kendal’s powerful centre partnership combined with Sarah Wilkinson setting up Hayley Hodgson for her second try. 22v17

Again the lead was not to last long with the Hoppers again finding gaps in the defence for a fourth try, five minutes later. 22v22.

The Wasps really seemed to step up their game in the last ten minutes, putting pressure on the Hoppers defence in their twenty two, but just as it looks as if the Hoppers defence may hold out, or even that they could break away for a winning score of their own After good work from the forwards, Hayley Hodgson powered over for her third try, and then converted to ensure that with just two minutes to play, the Hoppers could not get a winning score.

The kick off was gathered and returned to touch for a hard fought victory.

As ever captain Kerry Stevens lead from the front, with some good runs run from No.8 Amy Beard (?), and several from No.3 Laura Mason (?). including one long run down the right. The backs looked far more assured than in their last game.

Away next week at league leaders Sheffield, then back at Mint Bridge on Sunday 18th to play Sunderland.

Do get down to Mint Bridge if you can, hopefully for another entertaining encounter.

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The team listed is as selected - there may have been changes, so I am not sure on all the names above.

No.12 was Sarah Wilkinson who does not on the squad list