Worcester Ladies v DMP Sharks

Review

Worcester Ladies and DMP Sharks produced an exciting high scoring game in the Ladies Premiership, the home side performance in the first period was breath taking, producing an impressive victory thus consolidating the home side’s league position. Despite the score, Sharks revitalised themselves in the second half and deserved credit for fighting back, playing with guile and determination to the final whistle.

The home side opened the game in deveasting form, achieving a try bonus point after just 17 minutes, an onslaught from which Sharks, despite their magnificent efforts, never really managed to recover from.

The game was only 45 seconds old when a silky movement through the hands and strong running produced a try from Zoe Bennion, converted by Ceri Large. From the restart, Worcester’s forwards gathered the ball and fed it through the backs for Rachel Lund to score and Kelly Smith added to the total on 9 minutes . Sharks had no answer to the power and skill of the home side and further tries flowed from Ceri Large, a second from Smith before the forwards decided to get into the act with a drive over try from Lark Davies, who was most impressive in the unfamiliar role of blind side flanker.

Sharks rallied briefly at this point and took advantage of some complacent defence, opening their account with Jo Brown outpacing and evading tackles to score. Worcester 31, Sharks 5 and just 21 minutes on the clock. Worcester’s forwards were mauling and driving powerfully, complementing the pace and skill of their backs, with Steph Clarke, Laura Keates, Courtney Gill, Lisa Campbell and Rochelle Clark all carrying well. Their forward dominance was further rewarded with a powerful drive over the line from Rochelle Clark.

Kelly Smith added her second try with a dynamic run just before half time, to see the visitors in the comfortable position at 41-5.

The majority of supporters and the home team must have thought that this was game over and that the rout would continue, but clearly Sharks decided to restore pride and started the second half in the same vein as the home side started the game. Ruth Laybourn using her pace to go round the outside of four defenders to score under the posts, without Worcester touching the ball. Sam Jaimeson took the extras.

The pattern of the game now changed, Sharks were sterner opposition, producing neat and exciting bursts of play, but despite this, Kelly Smith was running some excellent lines and the home should really have increased their lead, but white line fever appeared to be setting in and opportunities were lost; wing Jaz Bixley must have thought the ball was never going to reach her wing, when on a least three occasions only a pass must have secured tries. Despite this spell of overconfidence, a good move between Smith and Large eventually saw the ball reaching Bixley, who scored her first premiership try.

Never say die Sharks rallied once again and had a very good 10 minutes of play, rewarded by a try from the hard working Abi Scott, again converted by Jaimeson, however, this was only a brief respite as Davies added her second try before the final whistle with Large’s  conversion sealing the game at 53-19.

Sharks must be complimented for their determination and fight back, outscoring the home side in second period, as did Wasps the previous week. Worcester must endeavour to maintain their impetus for 80 minutes if they are to seriously challenge for the league title.

Sharks should  take many positives from their performance, however, Worcester were in exceptional form this afternoon, which bodes well for next Sunday encounter with high flying Saracens, kick off 2.00pm at Westons.