On what could be described a perfect rugby day Keswick took to the field with 17 players. A few nerves (not a bad thing) but also some really get up and go in their step. We know the only way to start against teams is to be up quick from the off and this was how we started this game. A quick turnover from our own kick off and we had the ball moving to our very able Maisie to score the opener after only a couple of minutes, Maisie converting her own try.

Darlington are a very capable and physical side and our slowing defensive line regularly allowed their players to build up steam. They play very much like ourselves and shipped the ball out of contact well. 2 tries back for Darlington with only one converted.

Half time approaching and having made some great headway we pulled a try back with Ellie making a break down the middle, scoring between to posts, converted ably by Molly 14-12. However Darlington turned the screw with Darlington’s very good number 10 creating 2 very quick tries and Keswick going into half time 14-26

Receiving the kick from the start of the second half Maisie made a mazy run to pull us back to 21 -26 (again converting her own try) . Darlington again found the ability to pull in our defenders and our defence not always getting up quick enough that allowed their players to build up momentum. Scoring at close range after several phases of play. 21-33. The young falcons however never give up and always play with spirit, and this was rewarded again by keeping the ball alive Ellie found herself a space and scored her second 26-33 (conversation missed).

Darlington pushed again just before the whistle leaving the final score of the match at 26-40.

We have an awful lot of positives from the game and it was great to see, parents, girls from the other age groups (U12s, U16s and U18s) on the side lines supporting. Head of youth Ben watched the game and had lots of positives (and a couple of work on points) to say about the girls. They really do play with heart and pound for pound they give their all, often against bigger players. We do need to recruit a front row as many of the girls (mainly front row) struggle, with quite a few suffering against bigger teams. But they don’t give up. Again players playing in numerous positions and I am always grateful they do this without complaint. ????