The Wasps pushed runaway League leaders Blaydon all the way, and whilst Blaydon got another win, it was possibly the Wasps best performance of the season, despite being short of a few key players due to other commitments, and having no backs on the bench.

Two seasons ago there were a number of good contests between the two teams, and whilst the Wasps, came out on top three times, Blaydon won the League themselves last season, and seem set to do it for a third time in four years this season, having only lost once.

The Wasps were without Tamar Benson, Allysia Hine and Sarah Wilkinson, but Claire Geldard who had missed the game against Southport a fortnight ago, was back and played in the centre, with Kate Birchall moving to fullback.

A County Youth game (which as far as I could see, never took place) had been booked on the 3G (I think, like Penrith’s 3G it is managed by the RFU rather than the club). So the game was played on an adjacent grass pitch, kicking off at 2.30. There was also a fun fair taking place on the Blaydon’s car park.

As forecast there was a strong wind and occasional light rain, but no sign of the forecast sunny intervals.

The Wasps started well, and were on the attack in the Blaydon twenty two, when awarded a penalty. Emma Lifshitz took it quickly and passed to Suzie Winter who went for the line, before getting the pass back to Emma Lifshitz for the opening score 5v0. Despite the wind and a wide angle Sophie Postlethwaite’s conversion attempt was not far out.

Blaydon struck back immediately. Suzie Winter gathered the restart and made ground, but was isolated and a penalty was conceded. This was taken quickly, and despite some Wasps tackles, good passing saw Blaydon centre Emily Bowman score. Another good attempt at a difficult conversion into the wind. 5v5

Blaydon started to take control and there was some very good offloading out of Wasps tackles. The Wasps did well to protected their line, but could do nothing to stop a second Blaydon try after eleven minutes. 5v10.

At this point it looked as if it could be a long afternoon for the Wasps, but they continued to defend well, and stretched the Blaydon defence themselves when they had the ball.

After twenty minutes Sophie Postletnhwaite had a long run down the right wing, Blaydon players got back to stop her, but the moved was continued by Hayley Hodgson, before it was ended by an intercepted pass.

Sophie Postlethwaite had been injured when tackled, and had to go off, although she did return later, before going off again. Amy Butler was also forced off, so the Wasps needed to make a double change with Lydia Fleming and Kerri Jackson coming on. Megan Byers found herself on the wing.

After half an hour the Wasps tied the scores again. They seemed unlucky that the referee decided to stop play for a high tackle, rather than allow advantaged, as a score looked possible. It did not matter as from a second penalty, Emma Lifshitz got the ball to Kate Birchall who crashed over for the try. With Sophie Postlethwaite off injured, and no Tamar Benson or Allysia Hine in the team, a new kicker was needed and there was confusion whether it was going to be Hayley or Hailey, but Hailey Coutts took the kicked which whilst on target fell short. 10v10.

At the end of normal time in the half, there was a serious injury to one of the Blaydon players, which needed treatment before she was helped off. Initially it appeared the referee had blow for half-time, However he then said there was ten minutes to play (there had been a number of other injury stoppages), In the end only eight were played and there was no further score.

At half time one of the Wasps young players, Flo Fox, came on the back row to make her debut, and soon looked at home.

Blaydon re-took the lead after ten minutes, with a try from short range, and this time outside half T Robinson added the conversion. 17v10.

The slender lead continued throughout the half, with both teams having chances, but neither finding a way through the opposition defence, despite some good breaks.

The referee had issued several warning to the two captains, and after half an hour Wasps back row Aimee Shape was yellow carded (unknown misdemeanour – was worried it may have been Red but she did return before the end of the game)

Blaydon seemed to make the game safe a few minutes later with an excellent break down the left wing by outside half T Robinson (although not convince the hand off to Claire Geldard’s face was legal). Whilst she was caught she got the ball away to a player in support for the try. 22v10.

The Wasps were however not finished. Hailey Coutts made a lot of ground, and the move was taken on by Suzie Winter, and finished in style by Hayley Hodgson, having her best game for some time. A third kicker, with Lydia Fleming attempting the conversion. 22v15.

In added time Blaydon added a penalty to made the game safe again. 25v15.

There was more play but no more scoring.

An excellent contest, and despite the windy conditions, neither team tried to keep the ball tight, and there was some very good passing from both teams. Blaydon probably had the upperhand with planned moves and support play, but that just demonstrated the strength of the Wasps defence. The forced experiment of playing Kate Birchall at fullback seemed to have worked well.

It’s just a pity this was the only meeting between the two teams this season, and that it is unlikely they will meet again next season - unless in pre-season.

Back Of Match : Megan Byers
Forward of Match : Hailey Coutts
Opposition Choice : Emma Lifshitz

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