Print This Post
Cougars 57 v Sheffield 7
March 9, 2010 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
Sunday 7th March 2010
Carlisle Cougars hosted Sheffield at their Warwick Road ground on Sunday; only their third home game since the season began, due to adverse pitch conditions throughout the winter.
Having been beaten at home 57-0 by the Cougars 6 weeks ago, Sheffield were set for revenge. However Carlisle started strongly and after kicking off and winning turnover ball, captain and coach’s player Lucy Meadley forged through the defence to put the Cougars 5 – 0 up after 3 minutes. Carlisle kept up the early pace and secured the ball well in the rucks, providing a good platform for the backs who put the ball through hands and gave centre Katie Wigham her first of 4 tries. The Cougars kept on the pressure and after Sheffield conceded a penalty for offside, flanker Rosie Tyson took the ball quickly to score her in the corner. From another kick off, hooker Katie Wilson fed fly- half Lisa Richie who drew the opposition, stepped back in and scored. Richie converted, missing only 2 kicks in the whole match, earning the award of player’s player and making it 43 – 0 at half time.
In the second half Sheffield got off the bus, and gave Carlisle a game. They started well, applying the pressure as the Cougars stepped off the gas. Scrum half Philippa Bell was put under pressure at the rucks as Sheffield competed more aggressively. However some pinpoint kicks by Richie took the pressure off. A clearance kick from Sheffield fell to Ashley Lloyd who offloaded to Lisa Ritchie who sent replacement wing Sally Carruthers over the line for the Cougars 8th try. As Sheffield forged towards the line, Carlisle won turnover ball and strong running from Meadley released Wigham up the wing, supported by sister Jodie who took the final pass and scored. Sustained pressure again by Sheffield saw them this time more patient through the phases and gave them a well deserved consolation try which they converted. Three wins in a row to the Story sponsored Cougars keep them top of the league.
The Cougars are holding a taster session at Carlisle Rugby Club, Warwick Road on Wednesday 10th March 7pm – 9pm. All women who would like to try rugby are welcome. Please register your interest or get more information by texting or phoning 07912 110785 or emailing carlislecougars@hotmail.co.uk.
The Cougars next home game is Sunday 28th March against Novocastrians. All support welcome.
Print This Post
NE Ladies 5 v E Midlands 0
February 28, 2010 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
North East ladies 5 v East Midlands 0. 28th Feb 2010
The North East of England narrowly beat East Midlands in the second of the pool games on Sunday. Both teams travelled to Huddersfield, with the North East fielding four Carlisle Cougars players, and Hannah Sherlock, also from Carlisle. The North East kicked off deep into East Mids territory, and followed up with a good chase. They quickly forced a turn over, then kept the possession in the forwards for a couple of phases before spinning the ball out to Jen Edwards (back from England A duty).
A short, jinking run saw her score the only points scored in the game. The teams were well matched, and both defended hard. East Mids varied their attack through the forwards and backs, with North East mainly looking to exploit with their pace out wide. After 15 minutes Hannah Sherlock was substituted with an achiles injury, which saw the Cougars’ Holly Freestone move into inside centre where she ran hard, forcing the opposition to scramble their defence. In defence the North East hit hard across the pitch, with all the Cougars making big tackles. East Midlands didn’t look like scoring all game. The final pool game for the North East is against Yorkshire in Pocklington on 14th March after which the teams for the finals will be confirmed.
Want to try womens rugby for the first time? Contact Lucy on 07912110785 or email carlislecougars@hotmail.com to find out more about the open night on 10th March.
Print This Post
Cougars go top of the league
February 16, 2010 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
Story sponsored, Carlisle Cougars travelled to Newcastle to wrest top league position from the hands of the previously unbeaten Novocastrians.
Buoyed up by their win 2 weeks ago against Sheffield, the Cougars still expected a hard fight. Novos didn’t disappoint and for the opening minutes bombarded the Cougar’s line, looking dangerous in attack. A knock on and strong scrum steadied Carlisle nerves and saw the Cougar’s first attack.
A kicking tournament arose, with both sides eager to gain ground and tackling hard in defence. At 15 minutes captain Lucy Meadley exploited a gap and set up clean ball, off loaded to winger Steph Musgrove who cut a scything run through the defence and touched down under the posts for the Cougars first try.
The conversion unhappily bounced off the sticks, Novos having successfully disrupted fly half Lisa Richie’s concentration. However 8 minutes later, centre Julie Hope side stepped through the Novo’s back line with ease giving Richie a second chance, who this time slotted it cleanly through the uprights.
A cleanly taken high ball by full back Simone Board saw another off load to Hope who celebrated only her 2nd game for the Cougars (and 2nd ever game) with her 2nd try, winning ‘player’s player’as a result. Half time score: 0 – 17.
From kick off the Cougars exerted pressure and patient play eventually set up centre Katie Wigham for a strong sprint, stopped just short of the line by a scrambled defence. Richie was there quickly in support to take the off load and score the Cougar’s forth try, though hurting her ankle in the process and missing another conversion.
Novos replied aggressively and the game began to favour the opposition as Carlisle’s lighter pack lost scrums against the head. However Novo’s kicking game was no answer to the Cougars strong defensive line; led by coach’s player Arrianne Harkness and good positioning by Board meant each ball was secured.
A powerful run from Richie and a successful back move sent Wigham sprinting from the half way line to score and the tide was turned. Ill discipline from a frustrated Novos gave Carlisle a penalty on the 5m. Meadley took it quickly and forged over the line for the last try of the match. Coach Jonny Taylor said: “This was a most professional performance from the Cougars. Everyone did their job.”
Final score: Novocastrians 0 v Carlisle Cougars 36
The Cougars are holding a taster session at Carlise Rugby Club, Warwick road on Wednesday 10th March 7pm – 9pm. All women welcome who would like to try rugby. Please register your interest or get more information by texting or phoning 07912 110785 or emailing carlislecougars@hotmail.co.uk.
Print This Post
COUGARS 52 – DARLINGTON 10
October 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
11TH OCTOBER 2009
Carlisle Cougars maintained top place in the Championship 2 North after playing their second league fixture of the season on Sunday against Darlington at their Warwick Road ground.
Following on from their success of last week, the Cougars were eager to keep Carlisle a fortress and attacked from the very first. After a massive tackle from the kick off, captain and coach’s player, Lucy Meadley, forged over the line twice for the first try of the match; her first touch down having been disallowed by the referee.
Keeping on the pressure, the Cougars competed well at the rucks against a much bigger pack, winning turnover ball and spreading the ball wide. Winger Steph Musgrave got the ball in hand and sprinted from the halfway to score the Cougars second. Darlington stepped up a gear but the Cougars defended well, finally winning a penalty for hands in the ruck. Quick thinking and quicker running from scrum half Phil Bell made it 15 – 0 at half time.
From the restart Darlington were fired up and capitalised on lazy defence, scoring two trys in quick succession. The Cougars regrouped and strong running from Meadley saw her over for her second try. This settled nerves and the Cougars stuck to the game plan, wearing the opposition down at the breakdown and sending the ball wide.
Heads up rugby saw fly half Lisa Richie run in two trys, one of which she went on to convert. Darlington’s fitness started to wane as the Cougars capitalised on a sturdy platform. Another try from Bell was followed by trys from Laura Cunningham and Sarah Gardener (player’s player).
Sam Meakin came on, settling the scrum and winning ball against the head. No. 8 Cunningham picked up and the ball was powered forward by Meakin. Good support play by flanker Ruth Watt saw her there to pick up the pass and run over for the last try of the match. Coach Jonny Taylor said: “This was one of the best performances I have seen by the Cougars.”
The Cougars would like to thank match sponsors New Dimensions and Mellado Inc for their support on Sunday. The Cougars next home game is on 8th November at the Warwick Road ground 2.30 kick off.
Print This Post
Cougars 27-10 Fleetwood Grasshoppers
October 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
4th October 2009
Carlisle Cougars hosted Fleetwood Grasshoppers on Sunday at their Warwick Road home. It was the first league game these two teams had played against each other so both teams started eagerly wanting to get the first points on the board.
After a frantic 10 minutes it was the Carlisle outfit who took the lead. The Cougars forward pack powered through the Grasshoppers scrum winning the ball against the head, quick ball out to the backs saw centre Holly Freestone power through several tackles to score left of the sticks.
This try seemed to calm the Cougars nerves but a few handling errors and some good last ditch tackling from the ‘hoppers held the Cougars at bay for the next period of play. But after sustained pressure a scrum n the 5 metre line again allowed the Cougars pack to regain possession and quick hands from scrum half Phil Bell put Freestone in for her second try.
From the restart the Grasshoppers seemed to switch up a gear, clever kicking from their number 9 (Julia Clapp) gained them territory and following a penalty given away by the Cougars on their 22m line the Fleetwood outfit put some phases together and crossed the line for their first try. With 5 minutes to go until half time the Cougars gained turnover ball and prop Lucy Meadley powered through a broken defence to score the last points of the half. Half time score 17-5.
The second half started and Fleetwood had obviously been given a shake up, the Cougars defence was tested on several occasions as Fleetwood camped in the home teams 22. Some strong defence around the ruck by the Cougars flankers, Belinda Lloyd (coaches player) and newly converted back Ruth Watt kept out relentless pressure. Eventually this pressure paid off and the Grasshoppers got over the line for their 2nd and final try of the game.
From the restart the Cougars regained possession and calmed play down. Good forwards phases lead to a line out in a great field position. Off the top ball lead to quick hands from the backs and outside centre Sarah Gardner used her strength to power over the try line to score in the corner. The final points of the game were added by Freestone claiming her hat-trick and earning herself players player of the match.
The Cougars would like to thank match sponsors The Grange Hotel Loweswater and Blackmore Occupational Health for their support.
If anyone would like more information about playing (senior or girl’s rugby), volunteering or sponsoring the Cougars please contact Katie Wilson on 07912110785 or email carlislecougars@hotmail.co.uk.
Print This Post
Cougars v Sheffield
April 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
The Cougars played host to high fliers Sheffield yesterday in glorious Cumbrian weather – better suited for spectators than players! This was a big match for both sides, with Sheffield looking to end their season on a high and Carlisle looking to redeem the score line from the away leg of the fixture (53-13) and maintain their winning streak since the Christmas break.
The match began on equal terms, with both teams slogging it out for territory in the midfield. The first quarter brought no points, though both sides looked on for a number of tries. A couple of break away runs from Captain and prop Lucy Meadley and propping partner Sam Meakin failed to conclude at the try line. Similarly, Sheffield’s breaks were denied that end with some crucial saving tackles and defensive work from Flanker Belinda Lloyd (Coach’s Player). Both sides competed vigorously at the breakdowns, and Carlisle should have turned over more ball given the dominance of their forwards, who were able to win a number of Sheffield put-ins in the scrums. Sloppy play and careless hands meant loose ball was rife and Sheffield were better able to take advantage of it.
Conditions favoured a kicking game, and fly half Lisa Ritchie was able to clear play into the opposition half where the pressure was piled on. Two five metre scrums right of the Sheffield posts should have yielded the first try for the home side, but the visitors defence proved impenetrable. Sheffield took the box kick which bounced favourably for oncoming centre Laura Cunningham (Player’s Player) who took it, catching the opposition defence off guard and was able to run her way over the try line touching down left of the posts. Ritchie converted.
Sheffield retaliated with a try out on the wing which remained unconverted, giving the Cougars a slight lead. But the home side knew a mere conversion would not be enough against a team as strong as Sheffield, so the pressure was back on. At the restart, the Cougars were back up in the visitors half, winning another penalty scrum under the sticks. Sheffield gave all they had and were able to resist the drive from the Cougars. Quick ball from the back of the scrum was sent along the line with the cut back inside from Cunningham who flew through the gap and touched down on the right giving the Cougars a seven point lead. The advantage was short lived though with the visitors answering back with another try on the far left just before the close of the first half, settling the half-time score at equal pegging.
The first ten minutes of the second half were inexplicable. Both teams were unrecognisable from the previous forty minutes. Sheffield exploded out of the blocks with a mystifyingly easy try up the right wing straight off from the kick off. Carlisle looked on in puzzlement. The Yorkshire outfit played tactically, turning the match into a decidedly backs orientated game. Over the next ten minutes, the visitors put down an astonishing four tries, much to the embarrassment and confusion of the home side. Their defensive line was non-existent and the pack were unable to exert their power with such quick ball being played through hands. Carlisle were in disarray.
Pulling themselves together after a confounding initial quarter, the Cougars were finally able to get possession and hold on to it. The match began to resemble that of the first half, with vigorous competition at the break downs and more aggressive attempts to break the Sheffield line. The Cougars managed to edge their way up the pitch abetted by Meakin’s break up the midfield. A quick tap and go from scrum half Phil Bell began a series of rucks along the Sheffield try line that eventually wore out the defence which was broken through by the strength of flanker Rosie Tyson, who wrestled her way through and over the line. The momentary relief this brought the home side simply fuelled the visitors more, who were back on the war path. Another try from their winger moments later continued to widen the gap.
Carlisle were able to retaliate with one more try to complete Cunningham’s hat trick. Another Sheffield scrum under the sticks was stolen by the Cumbrians who began another relentless storm of the Sheffield defence on their try line that finally paid off with a gap for the centre to dive over and touch down left of the posts. The Carlisle performance was erratic, with some brilliant phases of rugby strung together by some disastrously disorganised play.
Carlisle have one remaining fixture against York at home on Sunday 3rd May, k.o. 2.15 p.m. All support welcome!
Print This Post
Cougars 36 v Darlington 5
March 31, 2009 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
29th March 2009
The Cougars claimed their fifth league match victory at the weekend with a comprehensive win over visitors Darlington. The away leg of the meeting back in dreary, cold November was a close run thing, seeing the North East outfit claim a 15-5 win. However, it seems the two month gap in the league fixtures did well to whet the home side’s appetite as the Cumbrian side came out of the blocks with a vengeance.
The first points of the match went to the Cougars only minutes after the kick off courtesy of Captain and prop Lucy Meadley who crashed her way through the Darlington defence to touchdown in the far left. A second try should have come sooner for the home side, but they made hard work of it with one too many forward phases, often resulting in turn over balls. The visitors had an undeniable physical advantage over Carlisle, but their complacent defence and clumsy handling accounted for their inability to capitalise fully on this.
Carlisle continued to threaten a try, with some fantastic break away runs from inside centre Laura Cunningham, who ran half the pitch but was denied the last two metres as a desperate Darlington hastily regrouped on their try line. Similarly, some great reactionary play from hooker Sarah Burns who collected the overthrows at line outs clinically and fought her way up the pitch, only to be denied the last few steps over the try line. A third attempt proved the more successful, as Meadley stripped the ball out of an attacking maul, the last phase of a relentless attack on the visitors and managed to make the last two metres the others had been denied. Fly half Lisa Ritchie added with the conversion
Darlington looked like they might come back at the restart when the ball got out to their wing who was tackled by full back Simone Lynne just before the try line but not before the pop up to her supporting runner who finished it off with the dive over the try line. A lengthy battle for territory was slogged out in the midfield until Carlisle slowly shifted the visitors back into their half and claimed a penalty scrum under the sticks. After a couple of hard won forward phases, quick ball out to the backs sent straight along the line saw debut winger Jenny Royston (Player’s Player) steam up the touchline, narrowly missing the tackle into touch to score in the corner. Ritchie’s boot further boosted the points board and closed the first half.
After the break, the Cougars continued to dominate territory and test the Darlington defence. The rugby from both sides became more aggressive, with each side competing meaningfully for the ball at each breakdown and particularly in the line outs, where flanker Belinda Lloyd did well to steal a number of their throw ins. The fourth try for Carlisle came after a break away run from Cunningham up the left side of the pitch who popped the ball back inside to support runner Sarah Elsy who touched down just left of the posts. Ritchie continued to add.
The Cougars began to organise their attacking strategy better, with ball being shipped out to the pacy backs must faster to exploit their advantage fully. A midfield scrum just inside the opposition half began the fifth foray over the Darlington try line, with a pick go from the No. 8 that drew the defence back in and left an overlap on the wing for Royston to score her second try in the far right hand corner.
The Cougars didn’t ease off as the clock counted down, even though the match was all but won. A final try came after a rattled Darlington struggled to stave off the unremitting pounding from the Cougar attack which eventually opened up a gap just under their posts that winger Steph Musgrave dived though to score. Ritchie converted to add the final points of the match.
Carlisle move to third place in the league after the win and are looking forward to carrying this victory over into their next home league match against Ormskirk Sunday 5th April, k.o. 2.30pm. All support welcomed! If you wish to find out more about the Cougars please call 07912110785.
View full report PDF
Print This Post
Cougars v Morpeth 8th March
March 11, 2009 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
The Cougars played away to Morpeth last Sunday in a friendly that was organised to fill the gap between league matches. Conditions were perfect for hard, fast rugby with a nice firm pitch, streams of sunshine undercut by the customary bitter North East wind and a few match stipulations. Unfortunately, for the Carlisle outfit, the scrums were uncontested, which at least allowed for a speedier forward match but denied Carlisle the chance to show their authority at the set piece.
The first half got underway immediately with the Cougars taking the game to the home team. A try from Captain Lucy Meadley (nominated by Morpeth as Player of the Match) in the first five minutes stamped an early marker on proceedings. Inside Centre Lisa Ritchie converted to add the points. The Cougars dominated possession and territory throughout the first quarter, denying Morpeth the chance to get out of their own twenty and relentlessly testing their defence.
At the restart, another foray into the opposition half began a series of forward phases that pushed further up the pitch towards the try line and committed the Morpeth defence. The Cougars looked for gaps out wide but were forced back into traffic The gap that eventually opened up was exploited again by Meadley scoring right of the posts.
A momentary lapse of concentration from the visitors was seized on by the home team who were beginning to wake up and look for revenge. Swift ball out to their speedy winger saw their first try sail past a trailing Carlisle side moments after the restart. The conversion began to close the gap on the scoreboard. When the pressure was on, Carlisle looked threatening, but it was a laborious task at times. More should have been made of the acres of space out on the wings created by some clever and dominant forward play. Most notably, Hooker, Katie Wilson and Lock Emma Dudley (both Coach’s Players) put in some solid work at the break downs and grafted all day to provide quick clean ball for Scrum Half Jenny Postlethwaite. A third try before the break for Carlisle saw blindside flanker Laura Cunningham (Players player) touch down for her first try of the season.
At the change of ends, Morpeth came at the game in earnest and looked dangerous. They capitalised on their speedy and inventive back line who sidestepped their way up the pitch and scored on the far right. Carlisle responded by trying to get the ball to their backs to show their pace but were cut down by a good Morpeth defence. The Cougars fourth try came after an injury stopped the game giving Carlisle the chance to regroup, strong ball carrying and quick recycling of the ball led to Cunningham getting her second try under the posts.
Cougars final score of the day came from turnover ball won by the Cougars who took advantage of the Morpeth defence trying to reorganise – a quick tap penalty was given to Meadley to cut back and score to the left of the sticks. The final points of the day were scored by Lisa Ritchie who slotted over the conversion from out wide.
Overall the performance gave some comfort and the final score line was convincing, but more points should have been gone on the board had full advantage of the numerous opportunities been taken.
Carlisle have three players, captain Lucy Meadley, back row Sarah Elsy and scrum half Philippa Bell representing the North East in the Regional match against the North West at Penrith Rugby club this Sunday, 15th March. Kick off is a 2p.m. and all support is welcome!
Print This Post
Cougars v York RI
January 29, 2009 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
Another convincing win from the Cougars bolstered their confidence ahead of a long wait until their next fixture. Coaching from Cockermouth’s Jonny Taylor has clearly had an impact on the side, who put in a more organised and measured performance.
This was the first meeting between these 2 sides and the visitors took the game straight to the Yorkshire side with great pressure from the kick off forcing errors in an attacking position. Cougars broke the deadlock with a clever pick-up and dive from Scrum half Philippa Bell at the back of a York scrum. At the restart, a minor lapse of concentration from the Carlisle outfit allowed York the space and time to retaliate by shipping quick ball down the line to their speedy outside centre who touched down on the far right. Jolted back into gear, Carlisle came back harder and faster.
Strong running by the Carlisle forwards especially players player of the match Sarah Elsy and coaches player Laura Cunningham, sucked the opposition numbers in, leaving the backs time to get set and work their magic. Katie Marinner, partnered with outside centre Jenny Postlethwaite picked their way through the gaps all day long, running sharp lines and making some fantastic dummy runs. After a couple of forward phases up the right midfield, Postlethwaite, cut back inside side stepping and offsetting the York defence with ease, off-loaded out of a tackle to put Captain Lucy Meadley free on the left side to score her 1st of the game.
This strong running and excellent support play was present all game for the Cougars and resulted in the Cougars 3rd try from flanker Belinda Lloyd who scored in the right corner after sustained pressure from the Cougars. Carlisle continued to exploit the gaps they created- to the best effect by Meadley who scored on the end of a magnificent run up half the pitch and inched over the try line after a failed attempt to stop her.
Carlisle continued to keep the work rate up in the second half and again pushed and kept play in the opposition territory. Cougars had many chances which went unconverted and this is something they intend to work on before our next league game in 3 weeks time which is the return game with York. A penalty 10 metres out gave Meadley the chance to claim her first hat trick of the season with a drive through the defensive line. The match ended with a final onslaught of the York defence that only just denied Postletwaite a try. As deserving as the win was, Carlisle know the difference should have been greater and they will be looking to work on this in the oncoming months.
Print This Post
Cougars 19 v Scunthorpe 0
January 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Match Reports
The long Christmas break had obviously worked up the Cougar appetite for this match. It was the first match of the year, on the back of one training session since the break and the weather took a turn for the worse at the kick-off. Not a favourable set of circumstances for the home team.
The first half got underway with some great defensive play from the hosts, which the Cougars managed to sustain throughout the rest of the game. Nerve testing pressure was applied on Scunthorpe at each break down forcing the penalties.
The first points to go on the board came from a penalty try given to scrum-half Philippa Bell. A chip and chase just outside the 22 allowed the break away up the left wing into open field. A stunning run was illegally disrupted and the penalty try awarded, which was successfully converted by stand-off Lisa Ritchie.
The visitors never seemed to get into their stride, and Carlisle were keen to take the game to them. Lock Rosie Tyson (Coaches Player) put in a big performance, working hard all over the park, making some big tackles and cleaning up loose ball efficiently. On such a boggy and unforgiving pitch, winger Caroline Dinwoodie also did admirably to pick up the pace when the opportunities came.
At the break, substitutions were made in the pack, which had a notable impact. Flanker Belinda Lloyd came in to flank and Sam Meakin moved from Number 8 to prop. A wheeling scrum made it hard to win the put ins, but the strengthened pack worked hard to clear the ball out fast. Play was pushed back deep into the opposition half where quick ball from a ruck allowed prop and Captain, Lucy Meadley to break through the defence, popping the ball back inside to centre Holly Freestone (Player’s Player) who touched down just left of the posts.
The last quarter saw some strong forward running that drew in the Scunthorpe defence opening up gaps out wide. After recycling the ball through several phases, quick ball from the scrum-half went down the line to Meadley who broke through to score again before Ritchie added the conversion points.
The visitors never really looked threatening, though a couple of breaks were made in the dying moments. However, the Cougar grit and determination lasted until the final whistle to hold the visitors to a nil score line. The next game will be the last away league fixture against York on Sunday 25th January.
