Valkyries ease past Harrogate
The Valkyries were the first side from Scarborough to play at Harrogate’s new ground at Rudding Lane and came away with a victory that extends their unbeaten run in the Northern Woman’s League.
With the Valkyries’ specialist props injured and unavailable for this game, it was played with uncontested scrums which may have put the heavier home pack at a disadvantage.
On a perfect afternoon for rugby the early exchanges were evenly contested, but the Valkyries soon settled to their task and sent Mel Halstead in for the first try of the match in the 11th minute for a 5-0 lead.
The Scarborough side laid siege to the home line but a combination of Harrogate defence and white-line fever conspired to thwart their efforts to stretch the lead.
And having squandered so many chances, the visitors were stunned when Harrogate scored from close range following a tap penalty to level the scores at 5-5 in the 20th minute.
Stung into action the Valkyries redoubled their efforts and following slick handling in the home 22, pocket-rocket Aisling Robinson powered over wide on the left in the 35th minute for a 10-5 lead.
The Scarborough ladies started the second half with some running rugby and it was no surprise when the irrepressible Jess Bray broke loose to score in the 50th minute.
Halstead converted with the first successful place kick of the afternoon for 17-5.
The visitors took control of the fourth quarter and further tries from skipper and scrumhalf Cathy-Ann Myers, converted by Halstead, and Claire Wilkinson wrapped the game up at 29-5.
Hopefully the Valkyries will be able to field props for their next game but they were the better side all over the paddock with their handling improving game on game.
Although all 15 women played their part, dynamic wing Robinson, skipper Myers and workaholic Halstead were outstanding.
Valkyries skipper Myers was happy with the convincing victory.
She said: “Obviously we were delighted with Sunday’s win, and some aspects of our attack were brilliant and really encouraging for the season ahead.
“I felt our defence was solid and while there is still room for improvement, we’re happy that we only conceded one try.
“Going forward, we will be hoping to be able to exploit teams weaknesses more, as potentially we didn’t capitalise on Harrogate’s as much as we would have liked.”
Myers and her fellow Valkyries have enjoyed a superb start to the season, and the skipper is keen to see that run of form continue.
Myers added: “I think it’s gone exactly as we had hoped it would.
“Three consecutive wins has been great for team morale and the manner of the victories, with two being away fixtures and one involving us coming from behind, has tested us.
“Each time we have been able to rise to the challenge and there is a belief within the team that when we are faced with obstacles we’ll have the composure to deal with them.”
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: MEL HALSTEAD
Although Aisling Robinson was in the running, Mel Halstead earned the player of the match accolade with her non-stop running, handling, finishing and goal kicking.
THE KEY FACTS:
TRIES: HALSTEAD, ROBINSON, BRAY, MYERS, WILKINSON
CONVERSIONS: HALSTEAD (2)