DMP Sharks took to the field for the first time in 2017 refreshed and ready to take on premiership rivals Worcester Valkyries.
It was Worcester who opened the scoring through captain Lisa Campbell just 5 minutes into the game. Sharks responded immediately with some ruthless defence; winger Emma Harbage putting in two big hits to win the ball back and give Sharks the front foot advantage.
Successive penalties meant Sharks’ Katy Mclean was able to move the team deep into the Worcester 22m. A solid drive at the lineout created the platform for number 8 Zoe Aldcroft (pictured above) to power over the line for the Sharks first score. Sharks 5 – 5 Worcester.
After another sharp Worcester try it was to be a dominant Sharks performance for the remainder of the half with two scores coming in the second quarter of the game. The first came through prop Brogan Churm who hit a great line from close range to crash over and draw the scores level.
Next was the turn of the backs; quick ball from the breakdown allowed the Sharks’ back line to spread the ball wide into the hands of winger Emma Harbage whose power saw her shrug off tackles to dot the ball down. Katy Mclean coolly slotted the conversion from wide giving Sharks a great cushion going in at half time. Sharks 17 – 10 Worcester.
The start of the second half saw some fresh legs take to the field for Sharks, Emily Hunter coming in as a straight swap for Amy Needham during the half time break and winger Hannah Morton replacing Emma Harbage soon after. Unfortunately Hannah’s appearance was to be short after a dangerous mid air challenge resulted in Hannah being removed from play through injury and replaced by Rachael Phillips. Worcester prop Rocky Clarke received a yellow card for the challenge.
Despite Worcester being a player down Sharks were not able to take advantage of the situation and moved into a mistake ridden phase of the match. It took some dogged defence of the Sharks try line to keep the away team out but Shark’s resolve held firm and they cleared the lines.
Ironically it was only after the away team returned to their full compliment that Sharks found their way back into the game. Sharks substitute Sarah Bush joined the game and immediately made an impact making a surging run down the wing setting an attacking platform deep in the Worcester 22m.
The following passage of play saw the ball turned over by Worcester but a panicked attempt to clear their lines saw the ball hit the floor and bounce into the arms of Sharks flanker Joanne Brown who showed great pace to out-run the Worcester defence and put the game to bed. Katy Mclean had no problem making the conversion giving Sharks the win and a final score of Sharks 24 – 10 Worcester.
A great win for Sharks to start the year and all in front of an immense home crowd! Thanks to everyone for their support.
Sharks are at home next Sunday 15th January v 2nd placed Lichfield Ladies. You can join them at 2pm. Free entry.
Report courtesy of DMP Sharks
