Darlington Mowden Park Sharks Development XV came close to an opening win of the Tyrrells Premier 15s Development League season on Saturday after a narrow 22-21 loss to Worcester.

It was largely a tale of 2 halves in Worcester, as the hosts started the better of the two sides to take a 12-0 lead at the break. Despite a yellow card for scrum half Ale Taft, Valkyries opened the scoring on 28 minutes through a Vicky Foxwell try. The Worcester fly half converted her own try to take the lead to 7, before flanker Charlie Wilcock added a second before half time.

A young Sharks side flew out of the blocks in the second half with 3 tries in just 15 minutes. Inside centre Olivia Rowe scored a brace of tries, both converted by Evie Tonkin. Tonkin added a try of her own on 65 minutes, converting well to make the scores 12-21. Valkyries came back sharply however, as Thea Thompson crossed for a try on 75 minutes. Foxwell added the extras to set up a dramatic finale, narrowing the gap to just 2 points. It was the hosts who had the final say on 79 minutes, as Foxwell added a penalty to secure a narrow comeback victory for the Valkyries. Evie Tonkin was awarded player of the match following a strong all round display.

The development side will now face Richmond at home on Saturday as they continue their search for an opening win.