Gryphons 120 – 0 Sunderland

 

After weeks of cancelled matches Leeds University Women’s Rugby team took to Weetwood 1 raring to show Sunderland just how ready they were- ready to win. With a try from Skipper Jodie Cunningham within the first minute of the game (which would later be followed by additional points), Leeds set a pace for the game which the opponents struggled to match.

 

With Sunderland only playing with 13 on the pitch, Leeds matched and used the extra space to their advantage, injecting their pace both down the wings and across gaps created by hard work around the breakdown. Leeds used their speed advantage and as such kept a full back line whilst reducing the pack to 5 players; nevertheless, the forwards contested each scrum showing that they were not going to be turned over without a fight.

 

Tries rolling in from almost every position on the pitch demonstrated the Leeds’ teams ability to play quick thinking rugby, with superb offloads from Philippa Atkins and Tilly Heggie allowing for “Forward of the match” Chloe Edwards to cross the try line 3 times, as well as both scoring themselves. Further mentions go out to Amy Gosney who took to the field in the number 9 shirt for the first time, demonstrating her versatility, jumping in the lineouts and out-pacing the entire Sunderland backline to score twice.  Amazing support play by the backline caused confusion amongst the opponents, allowing Leeds to capitalise before the defence realigned, and leading to Tilly Heggie crossing the line for her second try of the afternoon.

 

Gallant displays of rugby from Alex Chamberlain, Ruth Linton, Louisa Mamalis and Emily Presswood led to an increasing margin on the scoreboard; despite this however, the Leeds women were adamant not to concede any points and battled hard in defence when the ball was lost, and turning every opportunity the opposition had into a brutal lesson in rugby.

 

A mention must go to Emma Bonnard and Jodie Cunningham who between them converted 15 out of 18 tries scored by their squad. This fantastic game set a precedent for the rest of the season that Leeds are a force to be reckoned with; showing the rest of the league that they are here to win. Congratulations go out to the entire squad who contributed to the 120-0 win, with a special shout out to those girls who stepped on the pitch for the first time today. Now… who’s next?

 

Forward of the match: Chloe Edwards

 

Back of the match: Ruth Linton

 

Opposition’s player of the match: Emily Presswood

 

Author: Chloe Edwards