Panthers keep their spot at the top for another week
Percy Park Panthers - 38 Consett & District Women – 24
The first match of 2024, definitely had the Panthers beaming with excitement as they took on a strong and well drilled Consett & District Women’s side.
From the kick off the Panthers were playing their strengths strong, using their heavy forward pack to play for yards whilst the backs used their pace to keep the ball moving deep into Consetts half. Consett were holding their own well, until a quick ball out to Leybourne on the wing secured the first try of the game within 5 minutes of playing time.
When play restarted, the Panthers had an air of confidence about them and their heads were up taking big hits from Consett, whilst still making yards. Consett kept up the pressure which ended with a turnover ball, and after quick thinking from N Wood, the ball was won back in the ruck, this led the Panthers to get the ball over into the middle where Wrecking Ball Gicquel ran the ball up the line to secure the second try of the game. Swiftly converted by Hepples, it took the Panthers to 12-0 halfway through the first half.
Play restarted and Consett were as determined as ever, to get theirselves on the board, with some quick plays in the middle, they were through the wall of Panthers for their first try of the game. They followed through with a conversion bringing the score up to 12-7.
After another swift restart, Consett were swift down the line and quickly took back the score board with another try leaving the Panthers bewildered and the score board at 12-12.
On the restart, the Panthers were raring to go, the lasses were set, and after a quick ball to Hyde in the backs, with plenty of support behind, she tore through Consetts line and made it all the way to convert it herself and make the score line 19-12.
Consett didn’t give up though, they kept the pressure on the Panthers and just before the ref blew for half time and took the score line to 19-17!
Play resumed, and the Panthers were well and truly into the swing of things now, which was absolutely clear when the Whippet P Wood, ran straight down the line with a jaw dropping try 6 seconds into the second half, it left the people on the side lines with their jaws dropped, and Consett scratching their heads. The try was converted by Hyde once more. 26-17.
Now the Panthers had completely relaxed into their rugby and were completely in their stride. Taking big hits and keeping Consett on their toes, allowing Hyde to score once more taking it up to 31-17.
And the Panthers redemption arc had officially begun!
The next few minutes of play were nothing but fantastic feats of rugby with some huge hits from the Panthers, causing Consett to turnover the ball and leading to a fantastic run up the field from N Wood, and although it was a close call with a tackle close to the line, she made it over and brought the Panthers up to 36, whilst first time kicker, Shanks scored a belter of a drop goal conversion rounded it to 38-17.
In the last play of the game, Consett were within in the Panthers’ 22, and after a few too many infringements and lack of discipline, conceded a penalty try in the final minute of the game. After the conversion, the referee called the game with the final whistle making the final score, 38-24.