Semi final defeat for Warriors

THE sun was out at Violetbank on Sunday for the National Plate semi final between Annan Warriors and Lenzie Ladies. A cup final tie at Murrayfield (Hive Stadium) on Silver Saturday awaited the winners. This time last year the Warriors had nicked it with the last kick of the match against the same opponents. The two teams had met in the league this season with the East Dunbartonshire outfit winning both games and shutting out the Warriors in the process. It was nip and tuck in the first half on Sunday, with the Warriors taking the lead through all-time top try scorer Jane Haren on the 15th minute, Mally McGeoch with the conversion to make it 7-0. That looked like how the half would finish, but, just before the break, the Warriors defence was breached as Lenzie rumbled over for an unconverted try. It was all to play for in the second period. And disaster struck for the hosts in the final moments. With a minute left, Lenzie were piling on the pressure as the Warriors were down to 14, following a yellow. Lenzie took the lead for the first time with a penalty, and that was how it finished.