WINDERMERE Ladies step into action once again on Sunday on the back of a an enjoyable experience in the Darlington 10s competition.

Mere welcome Novocastrians to Dawes Meadow for only their second full-squad fixture (2pm kick-off).

The newly-formed Warriors squad continued their development in bleak and heavy conditions in Darlington, where they faced an experienced mixed side of Mowden Park Sharks and Creighton – the latter having been their opponents in their first 15-a-side fixture.

Considering the conditions, both sides played entertaining rugby trying to run the ball when allowed, and at the turn Windermere led 12-10.

This fixture was another first for the Warriors, having agreed to contested scrums, and their pack held up and gave an excellent account for themselves, being not at all intimidated.

The second half saw the Warriors playing into the biting wind and driving rain.

The experienced opposition gained the upper-hand, finally running out 34-17 victors.

Francheska Morsburgh was the star of the show for Windermere, scoring three tries and being names player-of-the-match, with Dominique Brown, Abi Matcalfe and Lucy Hewitt also impressing – the latter on debut.

Amy Wigley kicked Mere's one conversion.