SARACENS LADIES 51 v DMPRFC SHARKS 17

It was a crisp winters day as the temperature hovered just above three degrees.

Sharks got the game underway, Saracens gathered the ball and so began a frenetic first few minutes as both teams tried to gain the upper hand.

The first scrum was awarded to Saracens, the signs were ominous as the well drilled Saracens Park marched Sharks backwards.

The first 5 minutes was a fascinating affair as both teams tested each other in attack and defense.

Saracens pressure built as they went through the phases using their forwards to great effect.

On 8 minutes this pressure told as Saracens number 3 Thomas crossed the line out on the left not converted leaving the score Saracens 5 Sharks 0.

Sharks responded to this score with some attacking play of their own as they found themselves awarded a scrum on the
Saracens 20 metre line but some great work by Saracens turned the ball over breaking down the right hand side of the pitch only to be stopped by a fantastic intercept by Sharks Jo Brown unfortunately support was slow to get to her resulting in Saracens turning the ball over quick ball through the hands saw Saracens Poppy Cleall drive over not converted leaving the score Saracens 10 Sharks 0.

Saracens continued to pile the pressure on the hardworking Sharks defence but on 18 minutes the pressure told when Saracens Deb Fleming turned on the gas from her own half to score a great individual try not converted leaving the score Saracens 15 Sharks 0.

For the next 10 minutes Sharks worked hard in all areas of the pitch making things difficult for Saracens.

A higher intensity demanded by Sharks captain Tamara Taylor paid dividends as Sharks started to string together some excellent phases of play which led to a penalty being awarded to Sharks.

A great kick by Latoya Mason saw Sharks with a line out on Saracens 15 metre line.

A great catch and drive saw Sharks on the move forward to within 5 metres of the try line.

The ball was passed out to the backs Sharks Fi Davidson ran a great line cutting by at Saracens but was brought down by an excellent tackle just short of the try line.

The ball was quickly recycled and passed out to Sharks number 10 Rebecca Scholes who delayed her pass out perfectly to the on rushing Rachael Woosey accelerated In between two Saracens defenders to score in right hand corner converted by Sam Jamison leaving the score on 29 minutes Saracens 15 Sharks 7.

Sharks pressure continues to pressure Saracens which told on 36 minutes when Sharks crossed the line again in a carbon copy of their first try with another great penalty kick by Latoya Mason getting Sharks deep into Saracens territory a catch and drive from the line out by Sharks forwards saw Sharks march towards the try line, the drive was stopped just short, the ball was passed out quickly to number 10 Rebecca Scholes who changed direct then delayed her pass to perfection to the on rushing Ruth Nash to see her cross over the line to score on her birthday not converted leaving the score Saracens 15 Sharks 12.

On 36 minutes Sharks lost the influential Fi Davidson due to an injury sustained from a high tackle which wasn't seen by the referee.

On 39 mins Saracens won a scrum on Sharks 22 metre line, a great shove by Sharks forced Saracens backwards but the ball squirted out and was gathered quickly by Saracens, great work through the hands saw Saracens Ama Mayes score to the left hand side of the post not converted leaving the half time score Saracens 20 Sharks 12.

Saracens got the second half underway and for the first 5 minutes honors were even.

On 46 minutes Saracens Poppy Cleall hills great off load to Sonia Green cross the line converted leaving the score Saracens 27 Sharks 12.

Sharks continued to work hard keeping Saracens at bay.

On 55 minutes Saracens replacement Lauren Cattell crossed the line not converted leaving the score Saracens 32 Sharks 12.

On 60 minutes Saracens pressure told again when replacement Lotte Clap's fresh legs counted as she crossed the line with her first touch of the game not converted.

Sharks responded to this try with a try of their own when great interplay between Rebecca Scholes and Latoya Mason saw the ball worked out to speedster Rachael Woosey who showed a great turn of speed and great feet as she stepped two defenders to cross the line for her second try of the day, not converted leaving the score Saracens 37 Sharks 17.

Saracens continued to press forward and on 75 minutes birthday girl Brooke Sim finished a nice backs move to score under the post converted leaving the score Saracens 44 Sharks 17.

Saracens were not finished and in the dying seconds Lauren Cattell crossed the line for her second try of the day not converted leaving the final score Saracens 51 Sharks 17.

It has to be said that the score does not reflect the excellent work put in by Tamara Taylor's young charges who can take pride from a much improved performance.

Player of the match was awarded to the excellent Rachael Woosey.

A special mention goes to Sharks legend and Birthday girl Ruth Nash.