England Community Lions and England DiSE played out an entertaining game, with the Lions just doing enough to halt a late charge from their competitors, who are rated amongst the best young players progressing in the game.
The much delayed game had originally been postponed in December after the freezing temperatures, but this time around, nothing was going to stop the encounter.
The Lions made a great start with three tries in the first seventeen minutes belying their lack of preparation. The Army's Kaiya Glynn opened the scores after five minutes following smart passing to the left, although she couldn't convert, then on the opposite side of the field Bedford Tigers hooker Nicky Gross went over following a heap of pressure in the 12th minute. Again Glynn couln't goal.
Glynn proved difficult to contain at times throughout the contest and burst clear for another strong effort, this time from 50 metres. London Broncos halfback Courtney Treco, who kicked well from hand throughout, converted with the boot and it was 14-0. The Lions continued their strong start as skipper Abbie Latchford (Warrington) and Jess Sharp (Hull KR) were held up and Kirsty Griffiths (London Broncos) was tackled touch-in-goal.
It took 25 minutes for DiSE to get into the game, but when their first try came it was an excellent effort that saw Wigan Warriors Molly Jones combine for Alabny Coates (Huddersfield Giants) to add the first of two tries. Former Oulton Raidette Caitlin Casey missed the conversion. With Castleford Tigers Tally Bryer then intercepting, DiSE looked set for another score, but a superb tackle from Lions fullback Grace Banks (Leigh Miners Rangers) halted her ten metres out.
During this period, DiSE were on top, led from the front by St Helens former Thatto Heath forward Lydia Humphries.
Just before the half-time whistle Katie Wallis (London Broncos) slipped a tackle on the right to notch the Lions fourth try and confirm an 18-4 advantage.
To their credit DiSE dominated the first fifteen minutes of the second half, adding tries through wingers Coates and Alisha Roper (Hull FC) although Casey couldn't convert either.
Crucially the Lions added their fifth try wide out after Jenna Greening (Army) linked to get Swinton's Mia Atherton over the line. Again the conversion from Treco fell short, but it was 22-12 in the Community Lions favour.
The game was then stopped for a time after a collision left Ellie Wainhouse (Leeds Rhinos) on the floor and she was later removed from the field and taken to hospital. Upon the restardt DiSE lay seige to the Lions line, forcing several errors before finally taking advantage with a 77th minute Casey try, under the posts. Bryer converted, but the Community Lions hung on for victory.
ENGLAND COMMUNITY LIONS
Grace Banks (Leigh Miners Rangers), Kirsty Griffiths (London Broncos), Kaiya Glynn (Army), Katie Wallis (London Broncos), Siobhan Drummond (Bedford Tigers), Courtney Treco (London Broncos), Jenna Greening (Army), Ruby Magson (Hull FC), Nicky Gross (Bedford Tigers), Chloe Alcorn (Bedford Tigers), Ella Donnelly (Army), Lois Brown (Hull KR), Abbie Latchford (Warrington Wolves). Subs (All Used): Brogan Evans (Salford Red Devils), Mia Atherton (Swinton Lions), Kaye Shelby (London Broncos), Jess Sharp (Hull KR).
Tries: Glynn (5, 17), Gross (12), Wallis (39), Atherton (57).
Goals: Glynn 0/2, Treco 1/3.
ENGLAND DiSE
Pippa Curley (Huddersfield Giants), Alabany Coates (Huddersfield Giants), Sophie Morris (Wigan Warriors), Molly Jones (Wigan Warriors) Darcey Worth (Methley Warriors), Tally Bryer (Castleford Tigers), Caitlin Casey (Leeds Rhinos), Lucy Johnson (Leigh Miners Rangers), Millie Richardson (Leigh Miners Rangers), Ellie Wainhouse (Leeds Rhinos), Eva Hunter (Wigan Warriors), Maddison Rainey (Castleford Tigers), Emily Fitzpatrick (Leeds Rhinos). Subs (All Used): Ellise Derbyshire (Leigh Miners Raiders), Emma Lowe (Wigan Warriors), Julia Lowery (Leeds Rhinos), Alisha Roper (Hull FC), Lydia Humphries (St Helens).
Tries: Coates (26, 45), Roper (51), Casey (77).
Goals: Casey 0/3, Bryer 1/1.
Half-time: 18-4
Full time: 22-18
Dave Parkinson, Ruskin Drive, Saturday
Image Credit: Brian King
