Sharks show their bite to break Valkyrie hearts

IN A see-saw encounter in the north east, Darlington Mowden Park Sharks battled past Worcester Valkyries thanks to an incredibly strong secondhalf display.

The Valkyries failed to record a single victory in the Premier 15s last term, registering one draw, 17 losses and not even a single losing bonus point but early signs point to a stronger effort this year.

Sharks themselves only finished eighth in the league with four victories, so this positive start will give them plenty of confidence heading into a tie against Gloucester-Hartpury next weekend.

Hannah Morton’s unconverted score in the corner gave the Sharks an early lead, before Zoe Bennion powered over for the visitors off the back of a scrum in response, Vicky Foxwell adding the extras.

A penalty then put DMP one point ahead but Thea Thompson’s clinical individual effort – she pounced on a dropped pass and skipped by a couple of tacklers – then saw Valkyries lead 12-8 at the break.

But DMP hit their visitors with a quickfire double early in the second half.

The first came from close-range and the second saw new signing Lisa Thomson take advantage of a couple of missed tackles to dot down.

Nat English’s try following a series of pick and go’s hauled Valkyries back to within three points. However, with half an hour remaining, Kat Hobson crossed the whitewash at the other end to stretch Sharks’ advantage to 27-19.

Again the Valkyries battled and Carys Cox scored moments from the end to ensure a nervous finale but DMP held on.