Brave Lionesses lose out to Red Devils

The Lionesses started the game brightly against Salford Red Devils and both teams made breaks that required excellent cover defence. Salford scored the first two tries to lead 0-8 at the break, a half in which the action ebbed and flowed throughout. The Lionesses were particularly unlucky not to be on the scoreboard by half time after showing some excellent ball handling in attack and a couple of breaks that were covered by some excellent scrambling defence by the Red Devils.

In the second half, the Lionesses struck first after a period of sustained pressure to reduce the arrears to 4-8, with Centre Chloe Birkett going in on the right hand side. After the restart, the competitiveness of both teams was evident with both sides making crunching tackles.

Unfortunately for the Lionesses young team already missing both half backs through Covid protocols, having to make 5 replacements throughout the game to all the spine players of full back, stand off, scrum half, hooker and loose forward with no further replacements available, added to players playing in unaccustomed positions. Energy levels were depleted and for the last 15 minutes the Red Devils took advantage scoring a further 4 tries 3 converted to give the scoreline a flattering look.

The Lionesses who finished the game with 9 players under the age of 17 can hold their heads up high and the effort given from the first to last minute was outstanding and for many of the squad playing their first game of adult rugby league, it’s safe to say this team will improve significantly and the team are looking forward to the league season which begins in March.

Team:

Maddie Higson

Isabel Birds

Chloe Birkett

Ellie Walsh

Catherine Sweeney

Carla Taylor

Ellie Thirkell

Emily Haley

Eve Ashcroft

Helena Ryan

Maddie Corrigan

Abbie Parkes Holden

Mia Atherton

Patrycja Baranek

Leah Christian

Mollie Scotson

Jo Mullins

Holly Grimes