Thirsk Sharks

Thisk were camped in the Richmond 22 for 15 minutes during which they had two tries disallowed for being held up over the line. Eventually though, the pressure was rewarded and Thirsk won the lineout on Richmond's 22, good handling from Di Blades saw a crash in the centres, the forwards mauled well to retrieve quick ball to Blades who exploited the blindside and with quick hands from Canadian second row, Pincombe and Entwhislte, Jane Leonard took an excellent line of running to score in the left corner.

Despite the domination of Thirsk, they only entered the break with a slim lead of 5-3.

Thirsk gained confidence and came out after half time more determined. Thirsk backs switched the play and exploiting the disorganised Richmond defence, Caroline Bell hit the gap from the centres to score under the posts.

Thirsk regrouped well and with pressure again in the Richmond half, Di Blades took the opportunity of a drop goal with class and precision.

The crowd were delighted as Thirsk took a 13-3 lead. The Sharks seemed to have gained momentum and immediately took the game straight back to the London team.

Hannah Dawson did excellent work again as Thirsk were awarded a penalty just inside the Richmond half. A quick tap from scrum half Becca Walters found the forwards and backs linking impressively for the try of the game with excellent support play resulting in a strong run from the England Under-19 winger, Leah Bentham, to score in the left corner.

Unfortunately, Thirsk lost their edge for a spell and allowed Richmond to use their forward power to blow Thirsk back into their own 22 before Thirsk could organise Richmond had exploited the situation with their number 10 sneaking a try in the far left corner. Thirsk took the pressure back into Richmond's own half for the remainder of the game, however, when the final whistle blew it was Thirsk Sharks 18, Richmond 8.

Thirsk Sharks play on Sunday at home to the Vale of Lune in the second round of the National Cup Competition.