Ruby Magson started playing rugby league less than a year ago.  However, her hard work, determination and skill brought her to the attention of the County of Origin coaches and earned her a place in the Yorkshire side.

Ruby has now been awarded the WRLA player of the month for her efforts both on and off the field of play.  She is clearly and youngster bursting with potential and will hopefully continue to improve and enjoy her rugby.

Her Coach Rich Ellerington said: “Up to a year ago Ruby hadn’t played a single minute of rugby but last week she ran out for Yorkshire, she’s always at training and on time, she is also keen to help out with fundraising and recruitment. She’s taken to the game like a duck to water.”

Well done Ruby!

The player of the month award is sponsored by Peak Sports Nutrition

Photo: Ainsley Bennett

Conditions were dry but heavy underfoot and we all knew that today was going to be a tough battle. This was the 3rd time both teams had met this season, having already played each other in the league and the cup. Hunslet taking the spoils in both previous encounters but Hull wanted their scalp today.

Hull opted to kick and Hunslet received and mounted their first attack, only managing to get to the 3rd tackle before knocking on at the half way line. Hull organised straight away and could soon see the Hunslet line only to hand it back 10m short on the 6th tackle.

The game continued like this for the next 10 minutes with both teams making ground in the opposition’s half only to relinquish possession and have to do all the hard work again.

Things changed for Hunslet around the 15 minute mark. With good driving runs from Annie May Shackleton, Jo Harrison and Hayley Portrey they found themselves on the Hull 20m line. With 2 tackles still in the bag, the half backs linked up well and Anita Sharrocks ran down the short side to force her way over for the first score.

Conversion missed – Hull 0 Hunslet 4

Photo: Ainsley Bennett

Hull now upped their game, and tested Hunslet again and again; making good yards only for them to lose the ball due to a loose carry.  Once more Hunslet capitalised, using the pack, first Charlotte Cawthra then Nikita Hunter before Erica Zanre crossed for the 2nd try of the game.

Conversion short – Hull 0 Hunslet 8

The forwards were now taking a real battering in the middle, and both teams lost players to injury, with Hunslet’s Annie May Shackleton suffering a broken leg.

This proved a heavy blow for Hunslet, and Hull came barging through the Hunslet line to score.

Conversion wide – Hull 4 Hunslet 8

Half time

The game restarted and it was clear that Hunslet felt they still had something to prove. They were now passing the ball around, the confidence growing in the team. They attacked the right channel and were just too much for the Hull defence, Olivia Gosling crossing in the corner for her first Hunslet try.

Conversion missed – Hull 4 Hunslet 12

Photo: Ainsley Bennett

Hunslet were 8 points in front but you could sense Hull had tries in them and they weren’t throwing in the towel. The Hull forwards were formidable and relentless in their attack. With Ruby Magson hitting it up time and again. It was only down to a fantastic defensive blue wall that they didn’t score. Totally against the run of play Hunslet’s Cheryl Armitage came through the Hull line, with chasers hard on her heels she just made the try line.

Conversion successful – Hull 4 Hunslet 18

Far from been done Hull still kept going, and were rewarded late on the 2nd half with another try.

Conversion missed – Hull 8 Hunslet 18

Only minutes left in the game now but neither team was giving up. With the props going head to head, the half back and centres too it looked like it would boil over, but all managed to keep their composure. Hull struggled to mount an attack coming out of their 20m and the Hunslet pressure paid off. Hull knocked on, Hunslet took full advantage, a quick tap and fast hands saw Cheryl Armitage cross for her second try

Conversion missed – Final Score: Hull 8 Hunslet 22

After the match Hunslet Warriors coach Jon Harrison said: “At no point did I feel comfortable with the score line and Hull could have scored at any time. A massive thanks to Hull Wyke, the ladies and their hospitality. The coaches are doing a sterling job with the girls and I’m sure next year they’ll be a true force to be reckoned with.”

Report courtesy of Hunslet Warriors

The game started with both sides making errors within the first few minutes but it was the home side who settled quickest and took control as early as the 5th minute when Beth Greenwood crossed the line ( try converted) 6-0.

This was the start of a dominant 10 minutes for Odsal as they scored again on the 11th and 16th minutes with tries from Amanda Wigglesworth and Kara Priestley ( both converted) 16-0.

Wyke tried to stop a very strong running pack causing more problems for themselves but could only do this for a further 6 minutes when off the back of a penalty Odsal went in again with Beth Greenwood getting her second of the game (try converted) to make it 22-0

Wyke realised they had to do something to stop the game running away from them and they did exactly that, a deep kick on the last from Sara Lynes saw a great chase from Dee Richardson, Sam Crane and Tash Lister put pressure on the defender who fumbled it for Dee Richardson to pick it up and race 30 metres under the posts, the try was converted by Billie Davies (22-6) . (30 minutes)

The home side didn’t take this lying down and grabbed another before the break as Lauren Everad scored for Odsal ( try converted) 28-6 HT.

The second half started off the same as the first ended with the home side going in again after 42 minutes with a try by Claire Williams to make it 32-6.

With the game effectively out of reach for Wyke a brilliant solo run saw Jade Key find a gap to score on the 50th minute, the try was converted by Tash Diamond 32-12.

Only two minutes later Odsal extended their well earned lead as Amanda Wigglesworth grabbed a brace (36-12).

The stretched Wyke side managed to put a stop to the home side’s pressure and got a couple of tries in the last ten minutes with Dee Richardson getting her second as she barged over from 5 metres out. (converted by Tasha Diamond) 36-18.

And on the final whistle a cross field dart and a powerful finish saw Ruby Adkins score in the corner to make the final score 36-22.

The player of the match for Hull Wyke (picked by the referee) went to Ruby Adkins for a massive effort in defence.  For Odsal the award went to Gemma Fordham.

Match report courtesy of Rich Ellerington (Hull Wyke)

Photo: Ainsley Bennett

Yesterday Hunslet Warriors travelled across Yorkshire to play the ladies of Hull.

With the Warriors bringing in a couple of new signings (Sherryl Cole and Chloe Brown) and having players returning from injury ( Kat Sharrock – return after broken finger and Megan Davies – return after broken nose), Hunslet were hoping to put on a good display. With both sides fielding a big pack you thought that this would be a battle of the forwards.

Photo: Ainsley Bennett

Hunslet consolidated and after forcing a few mistakes crossed the line themselves with Chloe Brown. Conversion missed. Score 4-4

Score 8-4 Half time.

After some wise words from the coaches Hunslet came out in the 2nd half with more determination, Hull did their best to keep them out but with a very clever cross field kick from Gail Johnson on the last tackle Chloe Brown once again found herself over the line. Conversion just wide Score 8-8

Photo: Ainsley Bennett

The game could now go either way. It was a battle both in attack as in defence. Some fancy footwork and Hull crossed in the corner. Conversion missed. Score 12-8.

With the game hanging in the balance, Hunslet pressed once again. The ball going through several pairs of hands Chloe Brown once again had only the try line in her sights. Powering over she brought the game back to writhing Hunslet’s grasp. Conversion once again only slightly wide. Score 12-12.

With only minutes left both teams gave their all, but neither could take a firm hold. A well fought battle by 33 gladiators, every one of them able to hold their heads high.

Final score 12 – 12

Match report by Jon Harrison