Windermere Warriors experienced a tough afternoon in the Women's Development Challenge League as they were defeated 32-0 by a more experienced Upper Eden Eagles side at Dawes Meadow.

After the pre-match drizzle had cleared, Windermere began well and played the majority of the first ten minutes in the Upper Eden 22, but couldn't force their way over the whitewash.

Having absorbed the pressure, the visitors settled into the game and made their own way up the pitch before they scored the game's opening try on 20 minutes through Charlotte Drinkall following a line-out move close to the Warriors line.

The rest of the half remained evenly matched, but the Eagles bagged a crucial second try just before half-time when they moved the ball along the line to allow Laura Stephenson to score in the corner and open up a 10-0 lead at the break.

Windermere were still in the game in the early stages of the second half and came close numerous times, only to be denied by a steadfast Upper Eden defence.

It was during the final quarter, with fitness levels and concentration dropping on both sides, that the Eagles' greater experience told, with some slick passing along the line allowing them to overpower their hosts and pull away in a match that saw both teams introduce new players for their first taste of the league.