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Ladies rugby resumed after the long Festive break and the girls where bursting with enthusiasm. The playing conditions could not have been better as National Sports stadium played host to two games; Police versus Teachers and Mariners versus Renegades.

The first game saw a fired up Police team come out with all guns blazing In a game of two halves, the girls in blue swept to a seemingly commanding 3-0 lead. Tries from veterans Kate Brown and Rachael Black were complemented by Robin Bardgett's inaugural try. However Teachers settled down in the second half and used the extra width of the Nationals field to great effect. A five try explosion saw the once buoyant birds in blue, battered and bruised. Two tries from Chloe Martin closed the margin early and then additional tries from Channelle Gibbons, Kim Spencer and the indomitable Sarah McHugh-Wheddon finished any hopes of a comeback from the much improved Police squad.

The second game proved to be a real barn burner with a much maligned Mariners squad stretching league leaders Renegades to the limit. Renegades opened the scoring with a fine try from Amy Harvey whose sublime stutter step left her marker a sea. Laura Haynes followed up shortly thereafter when she burst through and out sprinted a desperate covering defense to give the 'Gades a 2-0 lead. However, Mariners did not roll over and die but continued to fight on. Their determination was rewarded by a fine try from scoring sensation Michelle Brendt who out-sprinted a back marking Melissa Field to close the half out 2-1. The second half proved extremely tense and evenly matched with both teams going through their possessions in workmanlike fashion. Once again it was the flair of Amy Harvey that created the break through and saw the important two try buffer restored. Mariners again showed an indefatigable spirit and looked the stronger side in the closing quarter. Michelle Brendt clinically finished of a text book move to close the score to 3-2. With the Green Girls going for the tying score in the final seconds a cruel bounce of the ball dashed their hopes, as the speedy Laura Haynes pounced on an errant pass and flattered the score line with her second try of the day. Renegades will be pleased with the 4-2 hard fought victory but Mariners will take solace that they can on any given day give good account of themselves. This weekend see the Police team take on a combined Rest side in the ladies Duckett game at Police Field. Kick Off is scheduled for 3pm.

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