Rugby Union: Winnington Park 12 - 31 Littleborough Ladies

Littleborough Pink Warriors Ladies were restored to league action at Winnington Park

Youthful exuberance provided the necessary finishing touches to help Littleborough Ladies return to winning ways by 31 points to 12 at Winnington Park on Sunday (27 January).

Littleborough Pink Warriors Ladies were restored to league action at Winnington Park following the cup exit courtesy of Nottingham-based Mellish last week.

The visitors to Burrows Hill set the tone in the first few minutes with more than 20 phases of play in possession in difficult windy conditions. Recycling and retaining possession by going through the processes they have practiced, was very pleasing on the eye for the proud coaches.

Littleborough's strong and purposeful forward pack dominated their opponents in every facet of play and were rewarded for their endeavours when Olivia Turner opened the scoring on the right flank.

This was extended by an opportunist converted try from scrum half Megan Dickinson on the back of yet more great forward work.

No sooner had the visitors made the score 12-0, it would be extended by another 7 points. This time a near full length try 90 metres out from Summer Harris was converted by Claire Sutcliffe to give the Warriors a commanding lead.

Northwich-based Winnington Park eventually crossed the line after a period of sustained pressure just before the half time whistle. The home side buoyed by the score before the break started the second half better as errors crept into the Warriors game, and they closed the gap to 7 points with an unconverted try to take the score to 19-12.

Littleborough got back to the processes that served them well in the first half and took charge again.

Summer Harris once again used her pace to round Winnington's defensive line and beat the full back for a mere 50m try this time. Sutcliffe was once more on hand to add the extra 2 points with a conversion.

Determined not to let Harris have all the fun and show off her own speedy qualities, Jessica Chadwick finished off an impressive back line move, to cap another highly successful and deserved away victory for the Pink Warriors.

A victory in this game was a key motivator and builder heading into next week's big local derby against Oldham as the ever-improving Pink Warriors make the short journey to Manor Park.