On Saturday 27th March, Morpeth's Unisex changing facilities were put

into full use, as The Vagabonds Ladies team travelled bychartered plane

from their home base on the Isle of Man, to play MorpethLadies in this

RFUW National Challenge North 1 fixture. With Morpeth thirdin the

league, Vagabonds on top, and both teams having only lostone fixture

each all season, something was going to have to give.

Morpeth's sole defeat this season had come at the hands ofthe Vagabonds

at the away fixture in late November 09, when the 12 hoursof travel, by

Coach and an overnight ferry crossing, saw a fatigued teamsuccumb to at

27-5 defeat.

The Morpeth Ladies, having not played since their 61-0victory over

Ormskirk at the end of January, were well up for this fixture.Owing to

a little 'rustiness' the Morpeth ladies fell behind to anearly try, but

as the half went on the balance of power switched back inthe home teams

favour. Tries from Winger Emma Reeve, and tight-head HelenOsborne, saw

Morpeth win the first half 10-5, with the wind behind them.The Vagabond

started the second half strongly and used the prevailingwind to their

advantage, soon scoring an equalising try and thenConverting to take a

2 point lead. The Morpeth team dug deep and two more tries,Emma Reeve

scoring her second of the day from the wing, and anotherfrom Full back

Liz Cheshire. The Cheshire try was successfully converted byMorpeth's

former England U20 international, Kate Hall.

The Vagabonds had travelled a great distance and at someexpense, so

they weren't about to roll over. Whilst Morpeth were lookingfor a

possible bonus point fifth try, it was the visitors who cameout

fighting, and a consolation try with only a minute left onthe clock saw

them collect a bonus point for losing within seven points.No one could

deny the Vagabonds their point as it had been a feisty, wellcontested

match played in a good spirit, The final score was 22-17 toMorpeth.

Morpeth remain in third place with three matches left toplay, including

a home and away fixture to Team Northumbria 2nds, who arecurrently