In a weekend where the weather threatened to be the ultimate winner, the spirit of rugby shone through. Originally a league game scheduled as an away fixture, Clitheroe’s grounds were unfortunately left underwater by recent downpours. In a display of great club cooperation, The Avenue at Wharfedale RUFC stepped up to host, ensuring the fixture could go ahead.
A massive thank you goes to the Clitheroe Ladies for making the trip despite the disruption, and to referee Brian Brocksom, who stepped in at the eleventh hour to facilitate a fantastic afternoon of rugby.
Despite a howling wind that threatened to wreak havoc on handling, the Wharfedale backline produced a masterclass in clinical attacking rugby. The return of the experienced Sarah Hargreaves at inside centre proved pivotal, her steady hand and direct running lines carved open the visitors’ defense repeatedly.
With scrum-half Emma Roberts providing lightning-fast service, fly-half Jessie Allen had the time and space to pull the strings. Allen was in sublime form, crossing the whitewash for a hat-trick of tries and adding a further 14 points with the boot. Her distribution allowed outside centre Emily Preston and full-back Daisy Kirk to showcase their pace, with both players finding the try line as Wharfedale exploited the wider channels.
While the scoreline suggests a one-sided affair, the battle in the scrum was far more physical. Clitheroe brought a structured, heavy-hitting pack that forced Wharfedale to earn every yard.
Props Michelle Rollason and Lizzy Dennison set the tone early with a massive joint ruck to win a turnover, setting the physical standard. Both players were rewarded for their work rate with tries.
Second row Becky Taylor was everywhere, seemingly present at every breakdown and relentless in her line-breaking carries.
Hooker Claire Anderson was rock solid in the scrum, ensuring number 8 Chloe Pearson had the platform to cause chaos with a fantastic pick and go. Pearson went on to get a well-deserved try right under the posts.
Leading the squad was openside flanker Charlotte Charnley. Her tireless energy and leadership ensured that despite the comfortable lead, the intensity never wavered. Under her guidance, the team delivered one of their most complete performances to date.
Wharfedale Ladies move forward with massive momentum, and in two weeks time meet Rochdale Ladies in what will be a league position decider.
Please come and show your support Sunday 8th March kick-off TBC.