Welburn shines as Valkyries earn win at Acklam
Scarborough RUFC’s women’s team, the Valkyries, earned a 37-5 win at Acklam on Sunday.
Captain Cathy-Ann Myers was one of seven Valkyries to score a try apiece, with JJ Glanville, Casey Jordan, Claire Wilkinson, Jess Bray and subs Hayley Evans and Kayleigh Tapsell also going over the line.
Myers also added a conversion to the tally.
The skipper said: ly Obviousthis was a much closer game than when we played them at home and won 92-0.
“They had a few extra players that really gave them a lot more options than previously, especially their 10 who had a really good kicking game that allowed them to gain a lot of ground at times.
“Overall our attack was very good. Our tries came from the set-pieces, which we dominated on the day, mauls, some good passing work and spreading the ball wide in the backs.
“This was very encouraging as we had a lot of patience in attack and rather than panic, we went through the phases.”
Myers added: “Our defence was a lot less solid than usual however.
“Their try came from a badly-timed box kick which got blocked down, and the resulting scramble saw them touch down.
“Our line speed was not very sharp, and we really struggled with how to adapt to their kicking game as it is something we are not used to.
“On the day, Jess Bray was outstanding both in defence, attack and the line-out where she forced many turnovers.”
Myers said: “Laura Welburn was player of the match as she was constantly providing an option at the breakdown and gained a lot of tough yards with her carries.
“Charlotte Machon, at 10, had her best game and is starting to grow in confidence in that position.
“She mixed things up really well and kept the opposition guessing at all times. Handling in the backs was also much better.
“We are hoping to reschedule our fixture versus Barnsley for May, and in the mean time we will be training Mondays and Thursdays 6pm to 7.30pm at the rugby club if any new people want to join.” Team : Laura Welburn, Santa Mason, Kim Wray, Jess Bray, Lucy Wilding, Jenna Redmond, Bex Carr, Claire Wilkinson, Cathy-Ann Myers, Charlotte Machon, Casey Jordan, Leah Gillon, Beth Rounding, Nicole Sedgewick, JJ Glanville. Subs : Hayley Evans, Kayleigh Tapsell