16/09/2026
Match Report | Phoenix Vs EMP (A) | 17.09.26
Last weekend Huddersfield Phoenix travelled across the Pennines to face a new-look East Manchester Phoenix boasting a new ground, nine new players and a shiny new kit.
Whist the 2026/27 season may not officially start for another two weeks, both teams were keen to treat this "friendly" no differently.
After 10 minutes of forgetting and then remembering each other's names, Huddersfield Phoenix eventually took the lead and settled into a rhythm.
The forwards were relentless throughout - hitting the line hard, creating chaos in the rucks and remaining clinical at the set piece. Debutant Grace J excelled at ho**er, scoring a try, throwing darts on the lineout and never giving an inch in the scrum.
The backs executed their game plan seamlessly - Fly-half Bea capitalised on an exposed backfield with smart, exploratory kicking, while the rest of the backline effectively trialled block and switch lines for the first time with some decent success.
In total, 12 tries shared amongst nine different scorers.
Every game against EMP is a brutal one so as the final whistle blew, ladies on both sides shook hands and walked into their huddles knowing they had earned their bruises and Monday morning aches.
Huge thanks to East Manchester Phoenix for hosting us on what was a deceptively hot day. We're excited to watch the community they are building at their new base and look forward to seeing them in the new year.
A nice end to a brilliant weekend for W&G's rugby at Huddersfield as on Saturday some of the women and Huddersfield RUFC Firebirds visited Salford to watch AG product Bryony Field scoring on debut for the Red Roses.
Bryony played at Huddersfield from the ages of 5-12 before moving to West Park Leeds. She's a huge inspiration behind the effort we are putting in at the club to make sure no girl should have to leave for playing opportunities.
Next Match - Sandal Spartans on the 27th September. We're expecting a tough game that will be a great barometer of where we currently stand on our road to NC3.
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