Seventh heaven for Women's Rugby 1s

(28 January 2010)

Durham Women’s Rugby Firsts made it six wins on the bounce as they outmuscled and outmanoeuvred closest challengers Newcastle by seven points to nil in the BUCS Northern Conference Division 1.

In a tight and often cagey first half, the Palatinates defended solidly, squeezing space in the midfield and stopping Newcastle from building any attacking rhythm.

The deadlock was broken on the half hour with a Carolyn Whelan try, a try duly converted by team captain Charley Miller.  The hosts took their 7-0 lead into the break.

The second half was an aggressive and physical affair, one notable more for the clinical manner in which the Durham defence snuffed out any Newcastle attacking threat.  The hosts, fluid in their passing and tactically disciplined, closed out the match to earn three precious points.

Charley Miller, captain, said: “It was a great match for us – one that was physical and really put us to the test.  We knew Newcastle would make things difficult for us.  We were keen to protect our defensive record of not having conceded a point in recent weeks.

“We’ve got to keep focused and composed over the next few weeks to ensure that we finish top.  It’s been a really promising start to the year for us, and we hope to maintain this momentum over the next few weeks.”