Blacklock inspires Sharks to a narrow triumph

DARLINGTON Mowden Park Sharks secured their second victory of the season after a low-scoring game against Richmond.

The win sees Justin Loveridge’s side climb to seventh, courtesy of tries from Beth Blacklock and Rachael Woosey.

The opening quarter was dominated by defence as both sides had chances to break the deadlock but neither was able to capitalise.

But on 22 minutes, after a series of penalties, Blacklock gathered her own deft chip and raced away to score although her conversion drifted wide.

The hosts almost extended their lead soon after through Rosie Blount, before Richmond’s Emelie Hellgren nearly went the length of the field from an interception.

It was the Sharks who finished the half the stronger however, with a well worked try from Woosey. Lisa Thomson who turned creator, collecting her own kick before finding her fellow centre, then exchanging a neat one two for the score.

Blacklock added the conversion to give the hosts a 12-0 lead at the break.

The start of the second half was marred by a long injury delay before Blacklock added a penalty to extend the hosts’ lead to 15.

The score remained 15-0 until the 67th minute when Cerys Lawrence showed great touch to control a bouncing ball and cross for her side’s opening try.

The conversion was added to narrow the gap to eight as the game entered its final ten minutes.

Despite some concerted Richmond pressure, the Sharks defence held firm to ultimately deny their visitors so much as a losing bonus point.