AN IMPRESSIVE 13-TRY-THRILLER
With only one win needed from the remaining games to win the league, the Ladies were fired up and ready to go. Straight from the get-go as it seemed as Mikala Agg opened the scoring on a damp but fairly sunny Sunday as she darted down the wing to dot down in the corner. 5 minutes in, 5-0.
Hear from Captain Aoife McKenna and double hat-trick hero Kathryn Craine as they provide thoughts on a great game, season and team!
9’ penalty awarded to the visitors and the fly half makes no mistake @Sale1861Women 5 @hopperswomen 3 #1861vpres
— Sale FC 1861 – Womens Team (@Sale1861Women) February 23, 2020
12’ lots of pressure from the red and blues but the visitors defence holding firm just now @Sale1861Women 5 @hopperswomen 3 #1861vpres pic.twitter.com/a9H7crg1sD
— Sale FC 1861 – Womens Team (@Sale1861Women) February 23, 2020
1861 mount a load of pressure as they go phase after phase, shifting the ball well. And, the pressure tells, as Mikala Agg wriggles through a gap in the defensive line, offloading for Kathryn Craine to blast over- her first for the day.
Only 3 minutes pass before the next try is scored by this dominant 1861 team. Kathryn Craine scores after a phenomenal effort, she hands off several would-be-tacklers as she goes over for her second in 3 minutes. 17 minutes gone, 15-3.
20’ TRY the girls attack with pace and power again and this time it’s Megan Kirby who proves unstoppable to score under the posts @Sale1861Women 22 @hopperswomen 3 #1861vpres pic.twitter.com/YiN0WM7tzb
— Sale FC 1861 – Womens Team (@Sale1861Women) February 23, 2020
The powerhouse duo in the centres- Megan Kirby (12) & Kathryn Craine (13)- are really enjoying their rugby as Meg runs in her first, continuing their fine form.
27′ After waves and waves of attack from the Red & Blues, Charlotte Smith eventually breaching the defensive ranks before converting her own try.
Megan Kirby once again finds herself over the whitewash for her second after some incisive attacking play
HT @Sale1861Women 32 @hopperswomen 3 #1861vpres the visitors giving it everything but the red and blues have proved too quick and powerful so far #onesalefc
— Sale FC 1861 – Womens Team (@Sale1861Women) February 23, 2020
41’ TRY more explosive play from @kathryn_craine to complete her hat-trick @Sale1861Women 37 @hopperswomen 3 #1861vpres pic.twitter.com/goxsquk4GF
— Sale FC 1861 – Womens Team (@Sale1861Women) February 23, 2020
The second half seems just as explosive as the first as a second try is scored 4 minutes into the half! This time Katie Walsh darts over in the corner after 1861 break loose.
The centre trading blow for blow as Megan Kirby completes her own hat-trick. A few moments later, Kathryn Craine runs in her fourth for the afternoon- 54 minutes gone, 52-3.
There’s no room for complacency as…
59’ @NikkixCowell chases a kick over the top and absolutely crunches the receiver into touch #1861vpres
— Sale FC 1861 – Womens Team (@Sale1861Women) February 23, 2020
After a crushing tackle, 1861 were on the hunt for another. 1 minute later after being bullied with pressure, Megan Kirby makes a cracking break before unselfishly offloading to Kathryn Craine to cruise in for her 5th!
And, Moments later Kathryn Craine completes her afternoon with a humble DOUBLE Hat-Trick as she runs in her 6th. She tiptoes down the wing before dotting down in the corner. Thats 6 try’s scored in just over an hour! Remarkable…Hear from Kathryn below
77′ Katie Walsh finishes off the afternoon with a try in the corner after Hailey Coutts carries for tens of yards and after several phases more, 1861 finish off their eventful fixture with celebrations due to start!
FT @Sale1861Women 67 @hopperswomen 3 another barnstorming performance from the ladies to secure the league title #1861vpres #unstoppable #onesalefc
— Sale FC 1861 – Womens Team (@Sale1861Women) February 23, 2020
A league title with a few games to go is such a testament to the collection of talented and hardworking players in this club. This was one of our goals, and to achieve it has given us all a massive boost to continue to continue on with our standards and positive ethos. On behalf of all the girls in the club I would like to thank everyone who stood behind us and supported us the season so far. To our coaches, physios, family, friends, sponsors and all of our supporters, we honestly would not be in this position without you. I’m very excited to see what comes next for us, we have a tough cup round coming up so that is taking up some headspace.
Image Credit: Gareth Lyons Check out all the Matchday Photos here https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLzxkec
First season playing for Sale 1861 and it has been an absolute pleasure playing alongside these incredible ladies. I’ve met some amazing people and made friends for life within this club
Sunday’s game: The pressure was on for sure, with knowing we would win the league if we won against Grasshoppers. We didn’t play our best rugby in the first 20minutes, but, we sure did pull together as one and turned that around with all players digging deep- putting in an amazing shift. Words can’t describe the feeling we all had winning on Sunday and will be a memory I never forget.
Throughout the season we have worked and prepped prepped so hard together, this not only created an amazing squad but also some unbreakable bonds in the team. Every single player under Sale 1861 made winning the league possible this season and what a season it has been. I also would like to mention our Captain Aoife McKenna, who has been incredible this season. Keeping us all on our toes, staying positive and keeping us motivated. She has made an incredible captain so, thank you for being amazing! Also huge shout out to our coaches and physios who have played a huge roll in Sale winning the league!
Thoroughly looking forward to the rest of the games we have left and here’s to smashing the cup too!
