GREENOCK Wanderers Ladies raised the benchmark of expectation on Sunday when they produced their best display to date with a crushing 66-7 point victory over Glasgow University Ladies at Fort Matilda.

It was an excellent outing for the Greenock girls and they showed continued development in all facets and disciplines of the game.

The Greenock side also showed their ruthless finishing streak when the opportunities arose.

Outstanding performances were posted by several Wanderers players, with Erin Haldane and Geraldine McGroarty in particular tackling strongly at the back, along with skipper Caitlyn Haldane, Catriona Cowan and Hannah Mutton, who posed a serious threat in attack to the University backline whenever they were in possession and on the offensive.

Dunoon-based scrum-half Ashleigh Lazzara had a superb game at scrum-half and her decision making and distribution at the breakdown was significant in ensuring the locals remained in control throughout the match.

Lisa Edwards and Lauren Gunn put in the hard work up front and their off-loading in the contact zone again had a major impact in Wanderers’ ability to retain the momentum and enjoy a fluency in attack.

Woman-of-the-match and star turn was undoubtedly Lesley Routledge, who put in another exceptional display and continues to show a marked improvement with each outing.

For the record Catriona Cowan and Erin Haldane both notched hat-tricks and try-scoring machine Hannah Mutton contributed a brace to provide the platform for victory.

Cowan’s first try, in particular, was a fine solo effort after she broke the gain line and showed admirable pace to outsprint the visiting defence from 50 metres out Skipper Caitlyn Haldane, Geraldine McGroarty and Emma Grace all touched down, with debutant Grace’s try the result of a well-executed rolling maul by the pack.

Apart from the result the pleasing aspect for Wanderers was some fine link-up play between forwards and backs and the continued improvement throughout the team of the core skills of tackling, secure ball handling, angles of running and decision making in the contact zone.

Glasgow University Ladies also deserve much credit for sticking to their task and the match as a spectacle was entertaining and enjoyed by a decent sized crowd at Fort Matilda.

Wanderers’ ladies are on the road on Sunday when they travel to Annan Rugby Club to take part in the latest National Development and training day.

Squad numbers continue to improve but as always any local women who are interested in trying the sport should contact Captain Caitlyn Haldane via the Greenock Wanderers Ladies Facebook page or phone Greenock Wanderers Rugby Club on 01475 632702.

Wanderers are sponsored by Texas Instruments.