The Horsham Lionesses played their first league game this weekend against the Cranleigh Wild Cranes. This was a proud moment for local women’s rugby, with the two teams having both worked incredibly hard over the last season, building their numbers in order to play competitively this year. The sun was out, and the game was well supported with plenty of interest in the two local sides.

The game started tentatively for Horsham, with Cranleigh coming on strong straight out of the gates. Their forwards moved the ball confidently up the pitch and the Cranes scored a first try before the Lionesses could really find their feet. Rather than unnerving the Lionesses, the early try seemed to almost settle them, and Horsham quickly gathered themselves and responded. There was some lovely passing on display from both teams when in possession of the ball, but eventually Penelope Moreno Gonzalez found herself a gap and broke the Cranes line running a beautiful try in from well over half the length of the pitch.

The Cranes were determined in their attack and made some strong runs, scoring another lovely try. Unfortunately a number of technical errors gave Horsham possession, and the Lionesses took advantage of that, managing to run another two try’s in before half time. The second was a particularly lovely tip on from Kate Collier to Sian Harrison who stormed through the Cranleigh defence to score.

The second half saw more of the same, with both sides putting in some impressive tackles and pushing hard to gain possession and move the ball. Horsham played more solidly in defence and Cranleigh only managed to sneak another one through the Lionesses line. There was some lovely phases of play, with Horsham getting the ball out to their backs on a number of occasions. Vice Captain, Katie Long, ran in her first ever try, and managed to follow up with securing a final penalty try for the Lionesses as the game drew to a close.

Today’s game showcased so much of what is positive about women’s rugby, and while both teams will have development points to work on, everyone can be incredibly proud of their efforts. An exciting start to the Lionesses league run and we can’t wait to see more.

Final score 17 – 33 to Horsham.

Forward of the Match – Abi Blake

Back of the Match – Penelope Moreno Gonzalez

Match report Victoria Coward