Howe Dominance Provides Victory
 
Ayr were the visitors to Duffus Park this past Sunday (17th October 2021) as Howe Harlequins were looking to keep the momentum following last weeks win against Kelso. Due to heavy rain the night before, the conditions were tricky with both teams struggling to get into the game and get the score board ticking. Howe played the majority of the opening 20 minutes in the opposing half when eventually the breakthrough came when debutant Sharifa Kasolo burst through a couple of would-be tacklers before diving over the line for the opening score of the game. Phoebe Saunders slotted the conversion to bring the score to 7-0.
 
Having waited so long for the opening score, the crowd at Duffus were treated to 2 in quick succession as 3 minutes later Ayr marched down the other end of the field and, after good phases with the forwards, found acres of space on the left side for a walk-in try. The conversion was missed so the score remained 7-5 to the hosts. This only spurred the home side on as they started to pile on the pressure and dominate the game. A solid scrum forced the penalty and quick thinking allowed Emma Wood to cross the whitewash in the corner for her 3rd try in 2 games bringing the score to 12-5.
 
With half time approaching, Howe kept putting pressure on the Ayr try line and grabbed another before the break when Phoebe powered her way over from close range with her conversion unfortunately rebounding off of the crossbar. This meant the half time score was Howe 17-5 Ayr.
 
Having spent most of the first half in Ayr territory, the Harlequins started the second half in similar fashion. The early dominance paying off in the 50th minute when, from a steal at the scrum, the free-scoring Kelle Nicoll added to her season tally. Kelle had already made a couple of crucial tackles to prevent Ayr from scoring previously in the game so was rewarded with a try of her own and with the added points from Phoebe’s conversion the home side stretched their lead to 24-5. Continuing to dominate the game, it was not long until howe had another try in the game with Kelle once again crossing over on the left touchline. Another impressive goal kick from Phoebe meant that Howe found themselves 31-5 up with 20 minutes to go. The game started to become a bit stop-start with Howe still pressurising in the Ayr half for the majority of the time but not quite finding that cutting edge until Phoebe tucked the ball under her arm and danced through the Ayr defence to score a brilliant solo try to extend the lead. It was a try worthy of the successful conversion which was supplied by Phoebe herself to bring the host’s lead to 38-5.
 
Unfortunately, the match had to be ended prematurely due to a nasty injury to one of the Ayr players. Everyone at Howe wishes her a speedy recovery and hopes to see her take to the field again soon. With that the final score of the game was Howe Harlequins 38-5 Ayr.
 
The win means Howe remain in 4th place in the league and it keeps them in the hunt in what is shaping up to be an intense battle at the top.
 
Tries: Sharifa Kasolo, Emma Wood, Phoebe Saunders x2, Kelle Nicoll x2
 
Players of the Match: Sharifa Kasolo, Becky Smith & Liana Mitchell
 
May be an image of 3 people, people standing and outdoors
 
 
 
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