FLAMES’ WIN COULD BE A TURNING POINT
SUNDERLAND LADIES HOLD FIRM TO DEFEAT DARLINGTON 19-7
Sunderland Flames secured derby day bragging rights as they held on for a 19-7 win against rivals Darlington Ladies.
Sunderland put three tries on the board and held a great defence to hold off their opponents.
An early penalty try gave Darlington a 7-0 lead, but it seemed to fuel the fire for the Flames as they retaliated with more passion, more determination and more intensity to bring the game back into our favour.
Despite making hard work for themselves, Sunderland turned attack into points as a team effort made way for Becca Walker to pick the ball up from the back of a break down to cross the line for an unconverted try.
The second half saw a step up in tempo for both sides as a win remained in sight.
But it was Sunderland that found their flow in the back line as a break from Tara Breslin saw Catherine McCabe supporting wide and running in a try in the left hand corner, converted by Breslin to lead 12-7.
A lot of the second half was spent in the middle of pitch as play switched between attack and defence for both sides.
After a few breaks from the hosts fell short of finishing on the try line, it looked as though the game would finish a tight one.
But, as space unfolded out wide once again, a loose ball on the floor was kicked towards the try line by Breslin, and as Darlington put the second kick on the ball, Breslin dived on the ball as it stumbled across the try line, converted by Breslin as the final whistle blow.
Captain Amber Stonehouse said after the game: “Everything we have been working on through training came together.
“We had strength in the forwards which allowed us to set up a positive platform for the backs to execute in attack.
“Overall, everyone’s excitement and passion that showed on the final whistle makes the hard graft on and off the field worth it.
“Hopefully, this shall be the start of a positive turning point in the league for us.”
Sunderland currently sit fourth place in the Championship North Two with two from four victories. Their next fixture sees them travel west to Kendal Ladies on November 5.