Ladies looking sharp as they put opponents to the sword!

Novos welcomed old friends Carlisle to Druid Park for a final pre-season friendly buoyed by the developing players beating Sunderland the previous day by 27 points to 15. A hard game was anticipated against a strong side who were unlucky to find themselves relegated at the end of last season, Carlisle are a combative and strong team with some really quality individuals so this performance really was something to be proud of.

Novos scored 11 tries in total and enjoyed 78% of possession in a game split into quarters to allow for rotations and to a lady all fitted into the game plan seamlessly.

The front row of Rachel Yost, Cat Ingoe and Sally Fitzpatrick looked solid and Heidi Munns slotted in well when she came on in only her 3rd ever game, Fee Shanks and Hannah Pollard and then Sarah Kilby offered plenty of hard running and big hits from 2nd row throughout the game. Kate Disley was in top form from number 8 putting in some bonecrunching hits and strong carries while Janey Eccles and Fran Mockford and Lou Smith when introduced buzzed around making a nuisance of themselves on the flanks – turning over countless Carlisle possession and with great link up play constantly on carriers shoulders to take offloads. The forwards created a fantastic platform for the backs to be destructive…. And destructive they were! After Disleys try early in the game the 9 tries were scored from the backs… Though a hat trick for skipper Steph Maddison is indication of the opportunities created around the fringes by the pack.

The pacy back three were in menacing form with tries for new signing Fionidi Parker and a brace for Elizabeth Severs and Rosie Neal both returning to the squad after a season away, Ruth Scott completed her return from injury to run the backline and Emma Nichol and Ali Lonie also got in on the act before Janey Eccles wrapped things up at the end with Fee Shanks slotting the extra points. Rachel Roberts distributed well throughout and had a hand in a lot of the tries scored as well!

Selection for next Sundays league game is tricky for the coaches but with the likes of last seasons lineout queen Amy Ross, top try scorer Rachel Fleming away and legendary centre Janette Shaw busy on post world cup duties they will have their work cut out to force their way back into this squad when they return.

Post world cup this is a squad that seems to be buzzing.. There are lots of new players, huge competition for places and a stack of new girls to the sport which is all really positive and creating a fantastic environment toward a successful season. – Next week it doesn’t start much tougher with a return to Sutherland Park and last seasons 3rd placed side West Bridgford lying in wait before another home test vs perennial division champions Waterloo.. If your at a loose end why not get down to Novos and support the girls!!

Forward of the match: Kate Disley
Back of the Match: Rachel Roberts