Fleetwood Ladies 5

North Ribblesdale Ladies 36

NORTH Ribblesdale Ladies made the journey to Fleetwood to get some much-needed game time.

The game proved to be a great introduction for a handful of ladies playing their first-ever game of rugby.

The match started with Fleetwood looking the stronger of the two teams. Ribb defended well and as nerves started to settle, the game began to open up.

It was North Ribb who opened the scoring with a well-worked try from new player Sarah Handy.

North Ribb continued to look the more dominant team, and it wasn't long before try number two from scrum-half Phoebe Hamill.

As the second half started, Fleetwood started to tire and this enabled the Ribb players to get the ball to their backs much more freely.

Good ball handling down the backs put Sarah Hargreaves clear for a great try, followed almost straight away by a powerful run from Charlotte Charnley.

It wasn't long before Charlotte added a second try to her tally. The final try came from Ribb's number eight Kate Rollason who dragged a couple of Fleetwood players over the line with her.

Shawni and Becki Coates converted three of the tries.

With five minutes remaining, the Ribblesdale Ladies were reduced to 14 players following a yellow card. Fleetwood capitalised on this and put the Ribb Ladies under pressure. North Robb defended well, but were unable to hold Fleetwood scrum-half off and they scored a well-deserved try.

North Ribb can be proud of this game. There were lots of new players who all did well, confidence grew as the game went on.

Lots to work on in training but a hugely positive start. Thanks must go to John North, the Ladies coach, for his time, patience and belief in the squad.

Thanks to Colne & Nelson Ladies for joining them.

Training is every Monday from 7pm at North Ribblesdale Rugby Club and new players are always welcome.