A HEALTHY crowd saw Kendal RUFC Ladies Wasps picked up a hard fought 31-12 victory over a spirited Novocastrians side at Mint Bridge.

The Wasps had to show resilience in their first game of 2020 after taking charge in the early stages.

Kendal scored the first try six minutes into the game when Hayley Hodgson crashed over following good work from the forwards.

And the Wasps doubled their advantage 23 minutes into the game when Alicia May capitalised on a handling mistake by the visitors to score in the corner.

Kendal had to work hard defensively after losing Rowan Boardley and Rachael Smith through injury but held on to lead 10-0 at half time.

Novocastrians dominated the early part of the second half and got back into it with a converted try.

But Kendal battled back thanks to a good try from Lorne Mellonie who outpaced the visitors defence to touch down, Tamar Benson converting.

The Wasps were again forced in to a long spell in defence in their twenty two and the Novocastrians added a second try.

With the Wasps struggling for good ball, there were few opportunities, but when for once given some space, they took full advantage as Hodgson's powerful run brought her a try which Benson converted.

And the win was sealed when Hodgson latched onto a lose ball to score another try, which was again converted by Benson.

Novocastrians had the better of the late exchanges but the Wasps defence held firm to secure the win which puts them in good heart for their next game, a trip to Carlisle early next month.