Women in the league of their own

FLAG BEARERS . . . Matthew Turner (Ovenden captain), Sue Gunnett (touch judge), Sarah Bennison (referee), Kara Clegg (touch judge), Terry Fitzgerald (Waterhead captain). Picture courtesy of League Weekly

RUGBY LEAGUE: WOMEN were in control when Waterhead travelled to play Halifax side Ovenden.

Referee Sarah Bennison took charge of the National Conference League Division Two game, and was joined by fellow touch judges Sue Gunnett and Kara Clegg in what is thought to be the first rugby league match to be officiated by an all-female panel.

Waterhead lost 54-10 and coach Garry Highton said: “We certainly can’t blame the officials for our defeat.”