Vagas Ladies get season under way this weekend

Tenon Vagabonds Ladies head across the Pennines on Saturday for the opening match of their RFUW National Challenge North One campaign against Leodensians II at Leeds.

There are a couple of alterations to the Vagabonds line up with Cat Beswick moving to full back to replace Hannah King and impressive newcomer Leigh Cruger starting at inside centre.

There is a familiar look to the front row with veteran campaigners Rachel Purnell and Ann-Marie Rivers being joined in the front row by Amoure Ferreira or Taz Whittaker, who has made a great recovery from the nasty injury she suffered last season.

In the absence of Chantelle Johnson the second row berths will be occupied by Cheshire County selectees Alana McCoughan and Chrissie Johnston .

Captain Fran Hunt packs down at eight with Cassie Watterson and Jackie Riding on the flanks.

Behind the scrum Rachel Beckley partners Vice-Captain Abi Corkish at half back with Cruger and Lizzie Lennon in the centres.

Fiona Gavin and Sophia Ionnou are likely to start on the wings with Beswick at full-back .

Skilful use of the bench was a major factor in Vagabonds successful season last year and with the experienced Jo McCabe and Sarah Sleddon plus newcomer Cath Moore this will surely be the case again.

Vagabonds know that their opposition this year will be of a more consistent standard and Leodensians , with a first team playing at level two in the National leagues, are going to be tough , well-organised opponents .

Vagabonds have however earned their place in this division and know that they can more than hold their own at this level.

As ever with commitment from the start and eighty minutes of effort there is no reason they cannot secure the win.