Lionesses unlucky in Yorkshire heat

19 July 2021

On Sunday the Lionesses travelled to Castleford to take on experienced outfit Fryston Warriors. The weather was incredibly hot, but the extreme conditions didn’t stop the Swinton team putting their bodies on the line in a very spirited performance.

In a tight and well-contested game, it looked like the Lionesses were going to come away with a 12-12 draw, but an unfortunate bounce in the last minute resulted in a winning try for the home team.

It was a bitter pill to swallow, but Head Coach Martina Greenwood remained upbeat. She said, “We are improving with every game and the progress is showing on the pitch. We came to win today, but it wasn’t to be. Beaten in the last 20 seconds with an unlucky bounce is tough, but we can take a lot of positives from today’s game.

“The things we have been putting into practice are coming together nicely. We will regroup again at training over the next few days and prepare for the next challenge away to Methley Warriors next week. The Lionesses’ coaching staff are very proud of each and every player, but a special mention to the two players who played their first women’s game today. They both did amazingly well. In fact we want to mention the commitment of all the girls; we are proud beyond words and we cannot single out any one person as the player of the match. Onwards and upwards.”

The Swinton Lionesses Under 16 girls take to the pitch again this Saturday 24th July, at Blue Ribbon Field in Pendlebury, home of Folly Lane ARLFC. Keep an eye on our social media for further information.

Final score: Fryston Warriors 16 Swinton Lionesses 12

Line-up: Maddie Higson; Patrycja Baranek, Eleanor Walsh, Maddie Corrigan (1 try), Chloe Latham; Emily Swift, Ellie Thirkell; Holly Grimes, Carla Taylor, Leah Christian; Joanne Mullins (1 try), Emily Haley, Rebecca Roden. Interchanges: Chloe Birkett (1 try), Abbie Parkes-Holden, Helena Ryan, Mollie Scotson.