WOMEN’S head coach Ste Fitzmartin was “proud” of the way his girls helped an injured North Wales Crusaders player, when the two faced off at Chester Rugby Union on Sunday.
The game had to be abandoned when North Wales player Erica Mullins suffered a broken femur after an innocuous tackle from Oldham full-back Lisa Jones and winger Millie McAndrew.
The Oldham side were quick to help out and took off their shirts to cover her as well as providing a guard while Mullins, who was in a revealing position, received treatment.
“I’m so proud of the girls and how they conducted themselves yesterday,” said Fitzmartin.
“Everybody was talking about Oldham and, in their words, what an amazing club and example we set.
“While they brought the stretcher on, our girls provided a wall to give her privacy, which they did for a good fifteen minutes while she received treatment.”
She was subsequently sent to hospital where she is currently receiving treatment for her injury.
Before the abandonment, North Wales were leading 36-4 with Oldham’s try being scored by centre Megan Hobin after she batted away three Crusaders tacklers to power her way over after a break.
Fitzmartin named a starting 15 due to a long injury list, and had to play part of the game with just 11.
Loose-forward Rebekah Wilson played the full game, before it was halted, after having given birth just three months back.
“We started slow, but we grew into it thanks to Megan who tackled her heart out and was rewarded with a try,” explained the women’s boss.
“Lisa (Jones) played out of her skin and produced four try-saving efforts and Kylie (Hufton) also put in a good defensive display.
“We had to reshuffle quite a bit due to injuries, the spirit and effort was there but we were up against a well-drilled and faster team.
“This was the first ever rugby league game for quite a few of our players.
“I can’t fault the effort and dedication that they put in, and then for them to respect the injured player like they did was top class.”
The two sides will meet again on July 9 in a curtain raiser at 12:15pm before the men play at the Vestacare Stadium at 3pm.
