It was anticipated that Southport’s first away game of the season against the highly rated Garstang Ladies would be a difficult test of strength and stamina. And so it was.

Southport’s kick off saw Garstang attack immediately and with determination, through the use of their powerful forwards and speedy backs, however Southport’s pre-season fitness training proved invaluable with numerous rucks being turned over and the ball stolen.

As anticipated, tensions were high from the off and both Garstang and Southport gave away penalties for a high tackles and nervous knock ons.

The first scrum of the game saw Southport break down the wing with forward Natalie Burns making great distance only for the team to be pushed out for a line out on the 5 metre line.

Some great lifting from Southport’s forwards enabled Alison Morris to steal the ball and provide Southport with an advantage to attack.

With space on the right of the pitch, the ball was quickly passed down the line allowing number 8 Lauren McCluskey to power over the line for the first try of the game. Conversion completed by Katie Hussey.

Southport’s determination continued and with numerous steals by number 10 Katie Hussey, Southport were able to power their way up the pitch, play being dominated by their forwards, who were able to utilise some set play moves.

A penalty given away by Garstang enabled Katie Hussey to go for the posts and 10 metres away from the sticks, she scored successfully taking Southport into a 10-0 lead.

Garstang Ladies were far from beaten and they fought back using their powerful number 10 to charge the Southport defence.

Full back Rachel Porter made an all important tackle as the last defender to prevent Garstang nearing the try line. Garstang continued to attack, but the Southport defence held strong and Garstang were held up on numerous occasions with Claire Stewart preventing a certain try.

There was no further scoring in the first half. Whistle blew for half time, 0-10.

The second half saw both teams continue to drive forward with numerous steals and line outs for both teams.

A long kick from the impressive Garstang number 10 gave them the advantage to attack, as they stole the ball back, passing through the hands, allowing their strong backs to power through the defence and score under the posts with the conversion added.

Southport knew they could not let this game slip away and so with 10 minutes to go, gave everything they had.

A Southport scrum from a knock on at kick off, allowed a quickly released ball to be passed quickly through the backs skilful hands, allowing the newly retuned winger Kirsty Mahoney to score in the left corner. Conversion closely missed.

With two minutes left, Garstang continued to fight back giving everything they had but the Southport defence was strong and Garstang were held up inches from the Southport try line.

The eagerly awaited full time whistle was blown and a well deserved victory celebrated by an extremely hardworking Southport team. Final score – Garstang 7-15 Southport.

Girls of the game goes to Katie Hussey and Lauren McCluskey.