Impressive display consolidates fine start to the season
Sale FC 1861 travelled south to take on a Worcester side who finished 3rd in last seasons Women’s Championship North 1.
On a breezy afternoon, the blue and whites were playing into the wind first half but took the lead in the 9th minute when Zena Francis hacked the ball through the defence and won the race to pick up and dive over the line; Kim Seddon added the extras. 0-7
Replacement, Arrla Hassall, was shown a yellow card on 20 minutes, shortly after entering the fray. However, the ladies increased their lead two minutes later when, following a brilliant jackal from Charlotte Denny, they attacked with pace, Zena Francis timing her offload perfectly for Kirsty Reid to score. 0-12
The hosts rallied and struck back in the 27th minute when the ball went loose near our line and was picked up by one of their replacements; Madison Hughes converted. 7-12
1861 had the last say of the first half though as Zena Francis scored a superb individual try, sprinting in from halfway and handing off would be tacklers at will. HT 7-17
The hosts came out for the second half with renewed vigour and closed the gap with a try after a tap and go and several phases. 12-17
The ladies remained undaunted and increased their lead in the 51st minute when turnover ball was moved out wide with Freya Wildgoose the beneficiary; Kim Seddon added a magnificent conversion. 12-24
Back came Worcester with a try in the corner but 1861 took their advantage to two scores when Jess Wooden picked up a loose ball and sprinted in under the posts; Kim Seddon again on target. 17-31
The ladies put the game out of reach in the 68th minute when Sarah Cornforth produced a moment of magic, blasting down the wing form halfway. 17-36
A magnificent bonus point win and a performance packed with pace, power and a fair sprinkling of individual flair.