Sunday saw the Sirens’ second match in the top four split of the BT Women’s Premier League as Hillhead Jordanhill travelled down from Glasgow to play in the sunshine at Greenlaw. After a heavy defeat to Murrayfield Wanderers last month, the Sirens were hoping to put in a better performance against the visiting side.
With several of Hillhead’s Scotland internationals returning to the team after their world-cup qualifiers against Spain, the home team knew they would have a tough match on their hands.
The Sirens shook off any initial nerves and started strongly, kicking off into the bright sunshine. They showed their intent right from the start with a strong chase from kick off and put in some big strong hits early on, which the visiting side didn’t like.
Despite having the majority of possession in the first 15 minutes, Hills didn’t come close to scoring thanks to the Sirens’ smothering defence.
The first score came when their outside centre scored out wide after they failed to find a way through the middle.
Struggling to contain their backs speed of hands led to a second try from Hills, and with no parity in the scrum and an initial struggle in the line-outs, the half time score was 0-22 to the visitors.
Despite the cold and energy used defending for the majority of the first half, the Sirens looked fit at half time and ready to go again.
The second half started brilliantly for the Stewartry side. They found an extra gear, hitting hard and getting some attacking ball right from the start.
Iona St Joseph and Ali Henderson combined well in the centre to punch holes in the Hillhead back line.
The Sirens defended really well and put them off their stride. Hills didn’t like the physicality and struggled to hold on to the ball long enough to play any phases. The Sirens almost had the upper hand before Hills scored against the run of play.
Not to be put off, the home team came straight back into it and a quick tap penalty take very well by scrum-half Claire Manson burst well up the field and came close to scoring but for the pass not going to hand.
The Sirens then got another penalty and Shannon Nicholson made sure at the second time of trying that we were on to score.
Our line out started to function during the second half, which allowed the Castle Douglas side good possession.
Allana McWilliam and Clare Dooley showed up well in the loose, carrying strong and organising things well.
The final 10 minutes were a struggle, with tiring legs and players starting to fall off tackles allowing Hills to score twice on the right wing again. Final score was Sirens 5-39 Hills.
All in all it was a fantastic performance from the Sirens, showing good signs of improvement and all the training ground drills coming to fruition!
Player of the match (Hills): Tamsin Tyeson
Player of the match (Sirens): Iona St Joseph
Next match is on Sunday 11th December at home vs. RHC Cougars.
