The Warriors had been able to pick from a squad of 28 players midweek, fantastic numbers, but with only 22 being able to travel some hard decisions needed to be made, however some players stood up to give others a chance. Some late availability issues on Sunday morning meant that Helen Garvey & Lottie Lewis would be making their Sandal Warrior & Rugby debuts!

Other team news was that Shannon Tyson was also making her Sandal Warrior debut, Bridgett Cambell & Abi Dickinson both returned & Scarlett Falloon was resting before a fire service fitness test this week.

Sandal Warriors kicked off on the heavy & freshly marked pitch & straight away were on the offensive, after the ball was turned over by Sandal, a series of quick pick & go’s resulted in Abi Dickinson crashing over from short range, Conversion missed. Two minutes later from a turned over scrum the ball went to wide who sped away down the hill to score under the posts and converting. Warrior forwards were working hard, with Molly Mills providing good go forward as usual, aided & abetted by Bridgett Cambell, Izzy Macklin & Ruby Parker. Naomi Gelder was in at Hooker & played the full game, giving good go forward & strong defence.

Dickinson then added another short range try for Bagshaw to convert, then a great try from a set piece move off a lineout by the backs, enabling Porette to streak away to score under the posts & converting.

The link between Charlotte Mosley & Bree Williamson is really starting to gel now, & with Bagshaw & Sampsons slick ball handling the back 3 of Sandal are reaping the rewards, with Silverwood crossing after great work from the backline. The next try came after pressure from Littleborough was soaked up and Bagshaw put a huge clearance kick in, Porette chased and re gathered after a fly hack and scored under the posts but missed the conversion. During all this Helen Garvey had snuck on for her Sandal Warrior debut and was relishing the contact, as was Shannon Tyson, who was drawing a lot of high tackles through her direct running style.

Half time came and sandal carried on where they left off, with Patterson doing a trademark “Rip & Run” to streak away up hill and score.

Then came the moment of the match!

After good pressure from the Sandal forwards the ball was turned over in the Warriors' 22, Patterson took the ball to just outside the 22 and found Leila Khamis-Burtoft on the wing nearest the clubhouse, she then proceeded to outpace the Littleborough defence and go from inside her own half to score her first try for Sandal Warriors & in Rugby, a great effort from Leila who’s confidence is growing with every minute on the pitch.

Littleborough then had a sustained period of pressure with their close runners to the ruck catching the Warriors offside numerous times & also from resulting Penalties, this resulted in a close range try from Littleborough and conversion. Bagshaw held court under the posts and asked for a return to the efforts of the first half & the Warriors delivered. The forwards were working hard to get quick ball or turnover ball for the backs who were happy to oblige in finishing the chances.

Silverwood scored a second half Hatrick, Porette and Bagshaw added one each and Ella Greensmith scored back-to-back tries to finish the scoring. Sam Woodward was unlucky not to add a try just getting bundled into touch before the line. Bree Williamson took over kicking duty & got 4 second half conversions. During the scoring spree Lottie Lewis took to the field for her rugby & Sandal Warrior debut.

Although a big score, Littleborough made the Sandal forwards work hard for their tries, with the backs taking the chances.

Coaches player of the match went to Robyn Patterson, a great display of how to play backrow in horrid conditions, carries, turnover, tackle, offloads, she did the lot.

Players Player went to Ruby Parker who worked tirelessly all game to give the go forward we had asked for and put in some big hits, switching to Prop when asked.

Oppositions Player went to Caeli Porette for their blistering display of finishing.