Vagas face biggest test of season

Catrina Beswick scores for Vagas against Manchester.

Vagas beat Manchester 15-10 in the opening game of the season

Vagabonds Ladies return to league action on Saturday with a top-of-the-table clash against Manchester at Glencrutchery Road.

Darrin Cook's side are still unbeaten in their debut season in North West Division Two, but this is sure to be the biggest test to date.

"We got the better of them on the opening day, so I think they'll definitely be up for it," said Cook.

"If we play well for 80 minutes we're more than capable of taking the win."

If we win we will be top at the Christmas break, which would be a great achievement

Darrin Cook

Amoure Ferreira, Sarah Sleddon and Taz Whittaker front up the Vagabonds scrum and will be looking to subdue the sizeable Manchester pack.

Manchester's back-row are an experienced and effective unit, but Vagabonds captain Fran Hunt will have Cassie Watterson and a fully fit Jackie Riding backing her up in what promises to be an enthralling battle.

Behind the scrum, Rachel Beckley and Abi Corkish will provide the link to a back line with the power and pace to trouble any side in the division.

Hannah King at full-back provides solid defence combined with a dangerous counter-attacking option.

Much of Vagabonds' success this season has come from intelligent use of their bench, and with the experienced Jo McCabe, Rachel Purnell and Anne-Marie Rivers to call on this is sure to be a factor again.

"If we win we will be top at the Christmas break, which would be a great achievement," said Cook.