The Novocastrian’s pushed the Wasps all the way, and early in their second half, with their forwards in control trapping the Wasps in their own half, they looked like overturning the Wasps lead, but two Hayley Hodgson specials eased the nerves, then the Wasps saw the game out, with a typical solid defensive display.

There was a good crowd, with a many from the North East on bright sunny afternoon, so it was a shame the game had to be switched to the 3G, but it probably made the game itself a better spectacle, than on the very damp main pitch.

The Wasps took the lead after six minutes. There was a good break down the right wing, and whilst this was stopped, the forwards drove over, but centre Hayley Hodgson came up with the ball 5v0

The lead was doubled after twenty three minutes, when a handling mistake by the Novocastrians in their twenty two, saw the ball go loose. It was swept up to Wasps left wing Allysia Hine, and she stormed over in the corner 10v0.

This was the half time score. The Wasps lost both Rachael Smith and fullback Rowan Boardley to injury

The Novocastrian’s dominated the early part of the second half, attacking the river end, with their forwards keeping the ball tight. Even when the Wasps had the ball, they could not escape. Finally after eight minutes there was a try from short range, which was converted.10v7

All the good work was immediately undone. Encouraged by the coaches, who saw an overlap on the left, instead of keeping the ball tight the ball was moved wide, with Kendal right wing Lorne Mellonie up against several players, but when a pass went to ground, she made no mistake, gathering the ball and outpacing the defence for a try, that centre Tamar Benson converted. 17v7

The Wasps were again forced in to a long spell in defence in their twenty two and the Novocastrian’s added a second try after twenty minutes. 17v12

With the Wasps struggling for good ball, and too often trying to take the Novocastrian on up front, which was their strength, rather attack the less confident back division, there were few opportunities, but when for once given a little bit too much space, Hayley Hodgson took advantage with a powerful run to the line, which Tamar Benson added the conversion. 24v12

After half an hour a ball went loose, and Hayley Hodgson was on hand to run in another try, again well converted by Tamar Benson. 31v12.

The Novocastrian’s had the better of the late exchanges but the Wasps defence held firm.

The Wasps next game is a re-arranged fixture v Wetherby on 26 Jan, followed by a return game away at Carlisle at the start of February.