A cold, wet and windy day welcomed the southern opposition to the Northern Echo Arena, for the first Senior Cup fixture of the season for DMP Sharks against Aylesford Bulls (in partnership with Harlequins).
This is the second time these clubs have met this season, with a third encounter set in less than a month’s time. DMP were keen to make amends for a poor final 20 mins during their away league fixture back in September and the intent was evident right from the onset. Both teams exchanged heavy blows in the midfield during the first quarter but it was Aylesford who struck first through Jessica Wooden who slipped through on the left wing to touch down around the 15m line.
Sharks hit back with some great interplay between the forwards and backs and were playing with fantastic width, despite the poor handling conditions. After stretching the Quins defence from one side of the field to the other, a real team try was finished off by Ruth Laybourn on the right wing, who was put into space by Mackenzie Thomas.
On the 20-minute mark, a neck injury to Sharks prop Emily Hunter resulted in an extended stoppage in play to allow for the medical team to take the necessary precautions, but play soon resumed with the score close at 5-7.
An awesome defensive effort from the home side saw the mighty Aylesford scrum repelled time and time again as DMP valiantly defended their try line. The score remained 5-7 at HT.
Refreshed and renewed, the battle recommenced with the tight play starting to become more important as the weather conditions worsened. Both packs worked incredibly hard to vary the point of attack but it was Sharks who made an exciting break with some slick offloading occurring between Georgina Roberts and centre, Linzi Taylor. An effective cover defence denied the Sharks the points but the home team continued their aggressive forward momentum, really asking questions of the Quins defensive line.
Jessica Wooden collected her brace on the 50-minute mark as Aylesford managed to slice open the, up until this point, sturdy defensive Sharks line. The game ended at 5-14 for the visitors but not before DMP retained possession and territory on a number of occasions, taking the ball on the front foot and making the away side work for every inch.
Final score DMP Sharks 5-14 Aylesford Bulls (in partnership with Harlequins).
Congratulations to both sides on a well fought and tough encounter.
Report courtesy of DMP Sharks
