Whitley Bay v Rochdale Hornets match report

The latest match report from Rochdale Hornets Ladies.

This was the Ladies' longest trip to date, a journey up to the North East for the Cup quarter finals. Confidence was high after a good week preparing and a few bodies back from injuries. As the game started it quickly became apparent that the width of the pitch was something to contend with. From kick-off Whitley Bay received the ball and the left edge managed to squeeze around our defenders to be chopped down by Rachel, but the Rochdale scramble wasn't quite ready and Whitley Bay went over. 

That six points quickly turned into 10 with another break. It was time for Rochdale to regroup, steady themselves and go again. Claire's fantastic kick offs worked a treat for Rochdale to receive the ball back and from clever play managed to get Kayleigh over for a try from left centre. Confidence had returned and the ladies had a platform to build from. Unfortunately, a couple of injuries in succession led to positional disruption on the field and Whitley Bay managed to run in another four tries before the break. 

Half-time Whitley Bay 32 Rochdale Hornets 4

The second half started a lot more positively, Whitley Bay were restricted to very few metres and the pressure told as they made errors 10 metres out for a Rochdale repeat set in close range. 

Unfortunately for Rochdale, Whitley Bay defence stood strong and they were able to get down the field on the back of offside penalties and go over for the first score of the second half. This woke the girls up and their possession and line speed managed to break Whitley Bay down.

Good play close to their line and a strong carry by Anna, led to her second try in as many games, converted by Harriet. The ladies weren't done there, barging runs up field from Beth and Harriet led to space being created to use the ball. Darcey got in on the act from the left edge, with the ball eventually coming back to the right for Harriet to spin over and score. She converted her own try.

Tails were up and the game was in for a good finish. Unfortunately a couple more injuries meant the team was busted and struggled for the last 15 minutes. Credit to each and every person as they didn't give up and showed that a win isn't too far away. Niamh and Erica filled in various positions within the game and will come better for the experience. Whitley Bay chose two players of the match, both outstanding in different ways, Rachel for her constant last ditch tackles, saving so many tries and Claire for taking the game to them and really taking control of Rochdale going forward.

A superb performance from our two most experienced players. Onwards to next week Rochdale, Warrington away.

Final score Whitley Bay 52 Rochdale Hornets 16