Old Brodleians Ladies 30

Skipton Roses 15

SUNDAY saw the Skipton Roses take huge steps forward in their development as they travelled to Hipperholme to take on Old Brodleians Ladies.

The Roses took 16 ladies and although they only played 11-a-side, every player put a huge shift in.

Both teams were only set up last April and are still developing, but those watching were entertained to a great afternoon of rugby.

The Roses kicked off and the first 10 minutes was spent in midfield with both teams stopping any attacking opportunity with fierce tackling.

Both teams used the ball and from good hands and strong running Old Brods got themselves on the scoresheet.

The Roses started to get some momentum, with good scrummaging and line-out and the last 10 minutes of the half saw the Roses score two tries.

Summer Knight was the first to score, after the Roses took a ball against the head and shipped the ball down the line for Knight to force herself over in the corner.

As the half finished, debutant Hannah Sagar picked up a loose ball in the Brods' 22 and ran in unopposed to make it 10-5 at the break.

Old Brods kicked off the second half and again the first five minutes was in midfield, as both sets of forwards carried and passed well.

As the half progressed, Old Brods hit a purple patch and were able to take the lead by passing well, supporting and finding the gaps.

The Roses battled hard and there was some solid tackling from Jess Burns, Hannah Fearnley, Adele Boocock and Shannon Beresford and some strong carries from Rachel Cleminson, Vicki Parker, Sarah Stryker-Diamond and Amy Wild.

As the game drew to a close, debutant Nicola Marklew came on and within minutes showed pace when she chased a kick through and was able to gather the bouncing ball and score.

Captain on the day, Liv Schepisi, had a great game and led from the front.

But the joint “Woman-of-the-Match” went to Kirsty Weir, who had a fine performance at scrum-half, and Jennie Hoggatt, who carried strong, made some tremendous tackles and was an excellent voice at No 8.