Houghton 20 - Hartlepool Rovers 5

U18s Match Report

The last match the U18s played against Houghton had led to a heavy defeat.

We were therefore expecting a tough match today. Ellie Railton captained the side and was impressive throughout

The opening 15 - 20 mins saw our expectations met with Rovers being constantly on the back foot, needing a series of last ditch tackles and brave collisions to keep Houghton scoreless.

However Houghton couldn’t be denied and scored a close range try to take the lead.

Rovers though came roaring back with a series of thundering carries through their forwards in particular Abbie Beattie Katy Lennard Millie Louise Railton Emily Carroll

Jessie Hewitt rounded off a high quality performance with a storming run that skittled a number of Houghton players and provided the space for Emma Lamb to score and finish a move that started near the half way line.

At this stage Houghton were struggling with Rovers intensity however they showed how good they were when on the stroke of half time they turned over a loose pass by Rovers to score a break away try.

The second half saw Houghton come out strongly and score 2 tries in quick succession.

At this stage we looked very ‘wobbly’ however we hung in with some outstanding tacking by
Grace Trimble and a outstanding latch ditch tackle from Ebony Hunter

We built momentum again and were on the wrong side of refereeing decisions with what seemed like scores from Grace and Ellie Louise

The final whistle came with us well on the front foot and rueing that 10 minute period after
the 2nd half.

The intensity and physicality of the game at times was great to watch and often Rovers were well on top and should be very proud of what they did and how they represented the club.

Houghton were worthy winners and have set a bench mark for our girls to achieve which I think they are well capable of.