Rochdale Hornets Ladies defiant in loss to Swinton Lionesses

In the first game of their season, a new look Hornets Ladies side faced a young and confident Swinton Lions side at Mayfield Sports Centre.

With several new faces, many of whom had never played rugby league before, and with only the 13 players against the 17 of Swinton, you’d have been forgiven for expecting a one-sided affair. 

The extra players counted instantly as with the first play of the game Swinton went over in the corner. After a chat behind the sticks from head coach Andy Hobson, Hornets came out firing, aggressive defence from new players Chloe Mansell and Connie Cullen rocked Swinton players back on their heels. 

In a too and fro game both teams were rusty with ball in hand, Hornets middles; Sharon Pearson and Captain for the day Tammy Murphy played an impressive 80 minutes in the Rochdale sunshine. Both lead from the front with the ball making the hard yards. This gave the likes of the exciting full back Libby Hadfield, hooker Morgan Pearson and back rower Sam Brazier the momentum to take Hornets up the field with some damaging carries. 

Stand-off Harriet Widdop, was immense all game providing a link between hornets forwards and their backline as well as getting about the Swinton players in defence with some huge shots.

As the game progressed, despite showing incredible resilience, Hornets with the lack of interchanges tired and their defence started to lapse. Tries from Sam Brazier and two for Morgan Pearson kept Hornets in the game but in the end, the game got away from the girls with the score on the final whistle 16-46.

Man of the match went to the impressive 16-year-old Morgan Pearson who marshaled the team from dummy half and was a threat every time she ran the ball. Definitely one to watch!

Rochdale Hornets lineup:

Libby Hadfield

Millie Harris

Connie Cullen

Chloe Mansell

Georgia Turner

Harrier Widdop

Sharon Pearson 

Morgan Pearson

Tammy Murphy (c)

Sam Plant

Beth Harris

Sam Brazier

Harriet Jackson