LISMORE LADIES v ANNAN WARRIORS.

Match Report from: Gus Robertson

The Warriors took to the Inch Park field on Sunday hoping to continue their winning start to the National Plate Group matches.

It was a changed team of just 15 as a large number of Warriors were unavailable for this match including Captain Nicole, and the two vice captains.

The 15 included former Warriors Captain Caroline Richardson who was returning after a 5 year absence and Tabytha Williams who was starting her first match for the Warriors.

The forwards were not much changed from last week but the backs were, with players playing out of position or starting for the first time.

It was agreed to play 2 x 30 minutes as opposed to the usual 2 x 40 due to both teams just having the bare 15

As was the case last week, the opposing team dominated territory for the first 15 minutes or so but unlike last week, the Warriors conceded and went 7-0 down. The Lismore backs looked sharp and were passing well but some thumping Warriors tackles put paid to any more score for the home side – in this half and the second!

Being 7-0 down spurred the Warriors on and 2 tries from Sarah Wyllie and Hannah Paterson took the half time score to 12-7 to the Warriors. Hannah was successful with one conversion

Both tries were well worked and especially Hannahs who broke numerous tackled on her way to score.

The 2nd half it was much the same with the Warriors extending their lead not long after the restart as Holly Clark barged over the whitewash. Hannah Paterson with the conversion to make it 19-7.

A couple of injuries to the Lismore players meant there was quite a few breaks in play and the Warriors had to reduce to 13 players for the last 10 minutes or so and go unopposed in the scrums.

We had to wait until near the end before the Warriors got the bonus point try thanks to a great run and try from Captain Rhianna Parker-Clevett.

Final score: Lismore Ladies 7 v Annan Warriors 24

The changed Warriors team played well with the forwards dominating the home side for the majority of the match and the backs coming into the game as the match went on.

Plenty to work on though for Coach Choc for next Sunday’s home match v Dundee Valkyries 2nd XV

Best in forwards were Hannah Paterson, Rhianna Parker-Clevett and Caroline Richardson with forward of match being Megan Muir

Best in backs were Tabytha Williams and Joanne Clark with back of match being Ashley Cole

Warriors XV: E Jardine, M Brogan, M Cother, H Paterson, M Muir, R Parker-Clevett (c), H Clark, C Richardson, T Williams, S Hunter, J Graham, S Wyllie, J Clark, A Cole, K Morrison