| Sharks started strongly but it was Bath who made the first challenge with Natasha Hunt making a break down the wing only to be stopped short by the fullback. This proved to be a wake up call for Sharks who came back with some strong attacking play and took advantage of an uncharacteristic lack of organisation in the Bath defence, crossing the line after 10 minutes only to have the try disallowed. However, similar aggressive attacking play allowed them to put points on the scoreboard five minutes later, with a converted try under the posts. Sharks’ second try was an almost identical replica of their first, and was again converted, 20 minutes into the game.
The Bath side then began to rally, with increased possession allowing the Southern Champions several promising forays into the opposition 22. A yellow card for repeated off-side to Laetitia Delannay only made the Bath side more determined. The Sharks’ defence held strong until quick rucking and a switch of play by Kate Eddy, supported by Marlie Packer, put Katie Hunter through to score out wide, with the conversion going just wide of the posts to set the score at 12-5 at half time.
After the turnaround Bath came back out fighting. With possession and territory shared equally, Bath then made steady progression into opposition territory. DMP held strong on their own line for several minutes until Packer took a quick penalty and was driven over the line by Caryl Thomas to score; Darel Poole duly converted.
The Northern Champions then hit back and capitalised on Bath again being down to 14 men, this time due to Thomas being carded for off-side at a ruck, and crossed again for another try, with the conversion going just wide. Minutes later, a penalty kick in front of the Bath posts allowed Sharks to put another 3 points on the board. DMP’s fourth try came from a break through the midfield, with strong support play allowing them to touch down under the posts and convert.
The last twenty minutes of the game saw some sporadic action, with stoppages and penalties at regular intervals. Despite this and the one man deficit, Bath showed smooth attacking play, allowing Hunt to round her opposite number and score. The try was again converted by Darel Poole. Back to 15 men Bath continued to pressure the Sharks defence but no avail and the match finished 29-19 to the Northern Champions.
Player/Coach Marianne Ellis said, “Sharks took full advantage of our early mistakes to give themselves a 14 point lead but true to our form we came back to within 2 points. Bath displayed some excellent attacking play and hard fought defence of the line, but we were unable to convert the work into points. It’s hard to finish on a loss after such a successful season but the girls should be proud of their performance yesterday, and their achievements in the league that got us there.”
Sunday’s Team:
1. Jen Hyde
2. Caroline Pankhurst
3. Vicky Heslop
4. Jenni Floyd
5. Becky Thompson ©
6. Laetitia Delannay
7. Marlie Packer
8. Caryl Thomas
9. Kate Munn
10. Kate Eddy
11. Natasha Hunt
12. Sarah Holloway
13. Kat Southwell
14. Katie Hunter
15. Darel Poole
16. Laura Groves
17. Clare Sinton
18. Jenny Doyle
19. Jade Radford
20. Jane Youdan
21. Emma James
22. Alice Edmonds
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