Rowley shines as Valkyries ease past Bishop Auckland

Danielle Rowley in action for the Scarborough Valkyries against Harrogate last Sunday. She was named as player of the match in the Valkyries' win against Bishop Auckland on Sunday.

The Scarborough girls looked lively from the off and it was no surprise when they took the lead through a Mel Halstead penalty in the fourth minute.

Leading by only three points, the opening quarter was fought out in midfield where both side were thundering into the tackle and turnover ball was the order of the day.

The Valkyries always looked the sharper of the sides with fly-half Danielle Rowley and her half-back partner Cathy-Ann Myers in great form.

And a slick move down their left-flank saw full-back Halstead join the line and power over in the 21st minute. She failed to convert her own effort but Scarborough led 8-0.

Some great interplay between forwards and backs saw the Valkyries take control in the second quarter and Jordan Casey got on the end of a fast-handling move through the middle to power over between the uprights in the 27th minute.

Halstead added the extras for a 15-0 Valkyries lead which they took to the break.

Bishop Auckland continued to play good rugby in the third quarter but lacked game changing players like the elusive Scarborough skipper Myers or they pacy and aggressive Halstead to break the home line.

The Valkyries drove home their advantage with a close-range try from lock Jess Bray in the 56th minute, followed by a touchdown wide on the left by Jess Glanville just after the hour for 25-0. Neither were converted.

Perhaps the Valkyries took their foot off the gas in the last 10 minutes but the visitors scored a well-worked converted try in the 71st minute and rounded off proceedings with a touchdown on the stroke of full-time to produce a 25-12 scoreline, which reflected their contribution to a hugely entertaining game.

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