MATCH REPORT – Sale Sharks Women 3 Loughborough Lightning 32

Sale Sharks Women were defeated by Loughborough at the Corpacq Stadium in round 13 of the Allianz Premier 15s

A penalty kick from Lizzie Duffy provided Sharks only points of the afternoon against Loughborough Lightning in wet conditions at the Corpacq Stadium.

Lightning capitalised early, Lilli Campion crossing within two minutes after a searing line break from Sadia Kabeya was narrowly halted by Lisa Neumann a phase earlier.

But after an outstanding turnover from Hollie Bawden in front of the Loughborough posts, Sharks were soon on the scoreboard, Lizzie Duffy stepping up to slot the three-pointer.

Helena Rowland added three-points Loughborough’s tally soon after as Sharks were pinged for offside in their 22.

Lark Davies crossed for the visitors before the break, the hooker tumbling over after a barrage of phases in Sharks 22.

For the first quarter of the second-half, Sharks held out well, defensive leader Daisy Hibbert-Jones putting in countless chopping tackles.

But with conditions underfoot rapidly deteriorating, dominant tackles were hard to come by, and with the lion’s share of possession secured, Lightning eventually began to stretch away.

Lightning’s third, fourth and fifth tries came from consistent periods of attack in Sharks 22.

Lark Davies crossed once again through the narrow channels before Helena Rowland picked a lovely line to score one herself soon after. Another forwards effort saw Sadia Kabeya tumble over for Lightning’s final try of the day.

Far from favourable conditions today as Sharks struggled to match Lightning for intensity. Sale Sharks Women’s next game is away to away to Harlequins on Sunday 20 February.  

BOL Foods Player of the Match: Daisy Hibbert-Jones

Teams:

Sale Sharks Women

15. Lizzie Duffy, 14. Lisa Neumann, 13. Hollie Bawden, 12. Laura Perrin, 11. Evie Tonkin, 10. Katana Howard, 9. Mhairi Grieve (C); 1. Gwenllian Pyrs, 2. Molly Kelly, 3. Nick James (VC), 4. Nicola Howat, 5. Katie Houghton, 6. Daisy Hibbert-Jones, 7. Lucy Winter, 8. Vicky E Irwin

Replacements

16. Catie Benson, 17. Leah Lyons, 18. Aisha A Marzouq, 19. Amy Orrow, 20. Kirsty Reid, 21. Jess Roberts, 22. Rachel Woosey, 23. Jess Kavanagh

Loughborough Lightning

15. Georgina Tasker, 14. Fran Goldthorp, 13. Bulou Mataitoga, 12. Emma Hardy, 11. Georgie Lingham, 10. Helena Rowland, 9. Eloise Hayward; 1. Katie Trevarthen, 2. Lark Davies, 3. Charli Jacoby, 4. Courtney Holtkamp, 5. Lilli Ives Campion, 6. Sara Svoboda, 7. Sadia Kabeya, 8. Sarah Hunter

Replacements

16. Maya Meuller, 17. Isla Curphey, 18. Gill Bourke, 19. Abby Duguid, 20. Hallie Taufoou, 21. Jess Weaver, 22. Carys Williams, 23. Amanda Swartz

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