Kendal Wasps 5 (5) v (7) 7 Chester Divas

Both teams came into the game on a string of defeats, but reports from the away game at Carlisle a fortnight ago, suggested the Wasps had played well

The Diva’s probably had the better of the opening exchanges, but the Wasps increasingly came back into the game.

It took half an hour for the opening score. Wasps No 2, Laura Mason made a good run and whilst she was stopped just short of the line, the ball was moved to the right where the try was scored, with outside half Lauren Harkness appearing to come up with the ball. Tamar Benson’s excellent attempt at conversion from close to the touchline fell short. 5v0.

The Wasps continued to push for a second score, but in first half injury time a string of penalties put the Diva’s on the attack, and a well worked move put their outside half in to score under the posts, and their No.8 added the conversion to give her team a slender half time lead. 5v7.

There was no more scoring in the second half, both teams had their opportunities, but the defences held firm.

Early in the half, Kendal lost a prop, and the game moved to uncontested scrums, with Aimee Sharp going to prop and captain Catherine Sewell coming off the wing to replace her at flanker, Later there was another injury to a Kendal forward (Lindsey Benzie), which unfortunately saw her leave the field on a stretcher.

The Wasps probably had the better chances with good runs from Amy Orrow, Amie Sharp, Sarah Wilkinson, Tamar Benson and Rowan Boardley, but the Diva’s defence always got back just in time to stop a score. In defence there were a number of powerful tackles by Tamar Benson, to stop dangerous Diva attacks.

Having had the greater number of chances in the second half, it was disappointing that the Wasps could not get the score to give them victory, but as the scoreline suggests, there was little to split these teams.