“Lots of positives” despite Sunderland W1 tough defeat to Northumbria W2’s
University of Sunderland 22 – 68 Northumbria W2.
With injuries and players out of position Sunderland suffered a heavy defeat to a determined opposition.
Despite an early Sunderland lead with the all-important first try Northumbria quickly fought back scoring two try’s of their own setting the tone for a difficult game early.
Sunderland started strong pushing through defence which allowed Emma Durham to score to the left of the posts, however Northumbria equalised shortly after.
Sunderland continued their attack with a strong run by Gabi Pedersen who was stopped metres from the tryline, with Chloe Watson scoring directly from the ruck which Caitlin Gorman converted.
Northumbria hit back with three tries in quick succession, two of which were from their defensive half by Jess Coakley Clark, Zanna Eaton and Becca Cowx respectively.
Sunderland intercepted a loose ball from a Northumbria mistake out of the scrum, but a strong defence stopped them from advancing up the pitch.
Northumbria further advanced their lead with a try from Becca Cheetham directly under the posts. To reply, Sunderland continued to apply pressure to the home team resulting in a second try for Wearside.
However, Northumbria were quick to respond with three more tries before the break from Phoebe Senior, Jane Black and Freya Underhill bringing the half time score to 17 – 46.
Northumbria continued to control the game in the second half, with an early try from Grace Borrowdale out of an incomplete tackle, which was again failed to be converted.
After a succession of injuries and players playing out of position, Northumbria found gaps in a Sunderland weakened defence, soon allowing Underhill to have a strong run from halfway to score.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Northumbria regained possession and saw trys from Underhill and Liv Forrester.
In the last minute of the game Sunderland’s Abigail Turnbull scored a consolation try bringing the full-time score to 22 – 68.
