Tigresses into the semi-finals!

Much had been made of the Tigresses losing five players who made moves to join York City Knights Ladies, but it did not deter the Tigers Women team from putting in a strong performance, away at Victoria Park in Warrington.

Marie Colley & Kirsty Moroney were boosted by the returns of Sammy Watts, Lacey Owen, and Jasmine Cudjoe for their first appearances of the year, however, Cudjoe sadly suffered an injury in the warmup which forced a shuffle ahead of kick-off. Hetherington moving to hooker and Backhouse in at centre for the start.

Castleford showed their intent early with strong challenges in tackles and it did not take long for them to register their first points of the game. Tilly Churm, who in the opening three matches of the 2021 season has impressed, powered her way to the corner after Warrington mishandled a kick. A terrific, strong run from the Tigers’ #31 to score the opener.

A couple of unfortunate knocks for Warrington took some of the early spice out of the match, and we do hope those girls are on the mend, but halfback Georgia Roche then stepped up and put Cas back on the front foot with a beautiful 40/20 kick. Co-captain Shona Hoyle made the most of the good ball position and powered over to get Castleford’s second with Leah Jones knocking over her first conversion.

Shona is proudly sponsored by Restorative Social Care Services, Tracy & Mark Campbell, and Ronnie Booth!

Warrington on a few occasions came close to the Tigers line during the first half but our women were up to the task of defending, including great scramble defence on show, particularly on our edges. Players such as Jasmine Bell and the returning Sammy Watts showing their importance in the middle of the pitch when Wire attacked.

After soaking up the pressure we switched it on Wire, Roche caught the opposition on the backfoot and sidestepped to score. The Wolves attempted to close out the half with a score with some short side plays next to the line, but the Tigresses held firm to take a 14-point lead into the break.

The second half began quite steady for both clubs, the first major threat came from Cas and in a similar fashion to her first score Georgia Roche stepped through the tacklers, but this time cut in to make it an easier kick, which Jones converted. Youngster Kaitlin Varley then made the switch with Leah Jones from fullback to wing, Varley impressive again under the high ball but also her defensive skill set.

Danielle Bound for Warrington was a constant threat during the game, often scooting at dummy half to take her side up-field, with Cas retreating and making tackles on their own line she sensed an opportunity, diving at the play of the ball to get Wire on the board. Michelle Davis converted from in front of the sticks. The try seemed to revitalize the Wire women, who came close to scoring back-to-back scores but Castleford, who had been impressive with their defence throughout the game, held them out.

Errors began creeping in for both sides as Cas sought to close out the game. With eight minutes left they moved Wolves onto their own line and Hetherington, who had to play at hooker, scooted over to score a thoroughly deserved try. Leah Jones added her third conversion of the day to make it a 20-point ball game and the final points of the day.

Overall, it was a very good win for Castleford Tigers Women, mainly for their defensive efforts to keep Warrington out with coach Kirsty Moroney particularly pleased with the team only conceding 12 points across the opening three matches of the 2021 women’s season so far.

The Tigresses are into the final four for the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup and will take on York City Knights Ladies on Saturday, 22nd May 2021 in what should be an enthralling encounter!

Full Time: Warrington Wolves Women 6-26 Castleford Tigers Women 

Castleford
Leah Jones, Kaitlin Varley, Amie Backhouse, Lacey Owen, Eva Izumi, Georgia Roche, Lucy Eastwood, Sammy Watts, Georgie Hetherington, Shona Hoyle, Hollie Dodd, Tilly Churm, Jasmine Bell.

Interchanges
Sophie Todd, Esme Reynolds, Kirsty Duffield, Sam Jordan.

Tries: Churm, Hoyle, Roche (2), Hetherington

Conversions: Jones (3)