Match Report – Lionesses in brave performance at Illingworth

11 October 2021

The Lionesses bravely went down yesterday by a margin of ten points to Halifax based outfit Illingworth.

Despite having a number of absentees through injury, the Lionesses notched up 6 tries and pushed their experienced hosts for the full 80 minutes. Emily Swift and Ellie Thirkell bagged two tries apiece, with further 4-pointers coming from Holly Grimes and Catherine Sweeney. Holly also kicked a goal, whilst Maddie Higson kicked two more.

Lionesses coach Martina Greenwood reflected on the game, “Unfortunately today we could not take away the win, however, this was not without putting in a formidable performance. We started with some absences due to injury, and this meant that we had to muscle up in various parts of the game. But the Lionesses each gave 110% for every second of the match and I am so proud of each and every one of them. 

“These players came together only 8 months ago, trained weekly, and have made huge progress together. I am looking forward to continue supporting these players through their rugby journey, but for now it’s back to the training paddock to improve and build upon this week’s game.”

Final score: Illingworth 40 Swinton Lionesses 30

Lionesses: Patrycja Baranek; Chloe Birkett; Maddie Corrigan; Ashley Deas; Holly Grimes (1 try & 1 goal); Emily Haley; Maddie Higson (2 goals); Skye Johnson; Chloe Latham; Abbie Parkes-Holden; Helena Ryan; Rebecca Roden; Mollie Scotson; Catherine Sweeney (1 try); Emily Swift (2 tries); Carla Taylor; Ellie Thirkell (2 tries).