West Norfolk Ladies continued their preparations for the new season with a 21-0 victory over Royston Ladies in a friendly.

The teams had agreed to play the game in four quarters to allow both sides to field new players and others returning from long term injuries.

After four months away from play, it took the first two quarters for the cobwebs to be blown away and started to produce some outstanding individual plays.

Royston had dominated at the scrum and maul with a strong pack and after the first 40 minutes neither side had scored.

Finally in the third quarter Mary Hegarty broke through Royston's defence and ran in the first try, which was promptly converted by Zoe Sharp.

Tired bodies were pushed hard and Sharp made a spectacular individual break and ran from before the half way line and was certain to score until a high tackle brought her down. The referee awarded a penalty try bringing the score to 14-0.

Santana Dunn, playing on the wing on her debut with the ladies, put in some crashing tackles and was rewarded with a run resulting with a try under the posts.

The steady boot and constant practice through the summer of Sharp paid off with another conversion.

With Royston sustaining a few injuries it was agreed that Claudia Langley and Catherine Leach would swap sides and play for the opposition, which they did with supreme enthusiasm, even when faced by a direct threat from their team mates.

The final whistle had the score at 21-0 to West Norfolk and hugs and smiles were seen all round.

There were many highlights and outstanding performances including break through runs from forwards Sian Brundle, Mary Hegarty and on the long awaited return of Leah Watson from injury. Jaz Carrick made an impressive and notable first impression on the field along with Tilly Suiter, whose runs were only curtailed by a determined Royston pack. Becca Clunan, who also played part of the game as scrum half, and Sarah Cross both made cross field try saving tackles.

West Norfolk Ladies' next match is on Sunday, September 17 against Peterborough, as they make their debut in the RFUW National Challenge – Midlands Division Two.