LATE AGONY FOR LADIES
WANDERERS Ladies fell just short of an away victory at Cartha on Sunday.
The Ladies were winning 18-15 with five minutes to play before Cartha ran in three late tries.
The Glasgow side’s bench was much stronger and Wanderers had a few late injuries to key players, including Caitlin Haldane and Stacey Donaldson.
The match was end-to-end and with a few players having to play out of position the team were working harder to make up for their weakened squad.
They finally ran out of energy to stop the late surge by Cartha, but despite these setbacks the ladies won both player of the match awards.
Catriona Gallagher in particular had an outstanding game at scrum-half for the first time. She organised the pack, brought the backs into the game and showed her talent after taking up the game only three months ago.
Hannah Mutton, playing her 80th game for the ladies, displayed her versatility at centre whilst motivating and encouraging her team-mates.
Another player who deserves a mention is Mellissa Hutcheson, who was playing her 50th game, having started her first match against Glasgow University in 2017.
The Greenock players were delighted with the support of the travelling fans who kept the team going throughout the match.
Second XV players Holly Campbell, captain Jayne Rice,
Clare Boyle and Paula Vosper travelled to Cartha.
They all gained fantastic experience playing a full 15-a-side match. Holly Campbell was named player of the match for her two barnstorming tries.
Ladies rugby is very much on the rise in Inverclyde due to the efforts of captain Beverley Addison and her team who now have a 2nd XV and are looking to start a 3rd XV along with a developing younger girls group.
The next game is at home to Hamilton next Sunday at 2pm.
Meanwhile, the ladies are having a winter come and try session on January 8.
● Greenock Wanderers Ladies are sponsored by Straps of Gourock and Brow House Cosmetics.