After a five-week break, with no games due to waterlogged pitches and frost, Carlisle Cougars travelled to Halifax for their last game of 2019.

The Cougars only had one substitute for the game and, after the first five minutes, they were reduced to a basic XV due to an ankle injury.

Carlisle started strongly, pinning Halifax into their own half. The Cumbrians’ possession was quickly rewarded when a simply run of passes out to the wing allowed Hannah Farrell cross for Carlisle’s first try of the day.

Carlisle were dominant in the first half, Halifax struggling to make any threatening yards on their opponents.

The Halifax centre had a great boot, which continued to relieve the pressure put on their line.

Due to carrying a few injuries, Carlisle played a 10-minute stint with only 14 players but Halifax failed to take advantage.

Carlisle’s defence deserve a mention. Vice-captain Hannah Wilkinson and player / coach Samantha Meakin made some huge try-saving tackles centimetres from the try-line to keep the scoreline 5-0.

The second half proved more challenging, Halifax’s three-quarters looking the most dangerous.

Ten minutes into the second half, Halifax levelled the scores.

Leah Barnett, Farrell and Sarah Pratt were forced to make a number of one-on-one tackles to prevent Halifax from increasing their lead.

With 10 minutes to go, Halifax kicked a penalty, for an 8-5 lead.

But, with five minutes remaining, Hannah Sherlock charged the ball in from 20 meters out, and scored the game-winning try for a 10-8 victory.

Back of the match Leah Barnett, Forward of the match Adelle Ferrie and Player of the Match, Captain - Laura Cunningham.