Darlington Mowden Park Sharks secured their second win of the Premier 15s season after a low scoring win over Richmond. The win sees Justin Loveridge’s side climb to 7th in the table, courtesy of tries from Beth Blacklock and Rachael Woosey.

The opening quarter was dominated by the defences with no points scored after 20 minutes. Both sides had chances to break the deadlock but neither was able to capitalise until the game sprung to life on 22 minutes. After a series of penalties Beth Blacklock gathered her own deft chip and raced away to score. Her conversion drifted wide in testing conditions for both sides. The hosts almost extended their lead soon after through Blount, before Hellgren nearly went the length of the field from an interception. It was the Sharks who finished the half the stronger however, with a well worked try from Rachael Woosey. It was Lisa Thomson who turned creator, collecting her own kick before finding her fellow centre, then exchanging a neat one two for the score. Blacklock added the simple conversion to give the hosts a 12-0 lead at the break.

The start of the second half was marred by a long injury delay before Blacklock added a penalty to extend the hosts’ lead to 15. The score remained 15-0 until the 67th minute when Cerys Lawrence showed great touch to control a bouncing ball and cross for her side’s opening try. The conversion was added to narrow the gap to 8 as the game entered its final 10 minutes. Despite some concerted pressure from the visitors, the Sharks defence held firm to deny Richmond a losing bonus point. Beth Blacklock was awarded player of the match following an impressive all-round performance.