THEY may have lost their first ever league fixture, but Warrington Wolves’ women’s side still gave head coach Lee Westwood plenty to smile about.

The Wire got their maiden campaign underway with a defeat at Barrow Island in the Women’s Championship, with the Cumbrian hosts winning 28-20.

Sarah Faulkner scored two of Warrington’s four tries, with Amy Daniels and Rowanne Smalley also crossing for the visitors while there were two goals from the boot of Sophie Cowle.

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Despite the result, Westwood was proud of the efforts of his side – 12 of whom were playing their first competitive game of rugby league.

He saw enough in his side’s performance to suggest they could be in for a successful campaign.

“From where we were three months ago, what we did up there was absolutely fantastic to see,” he said.

“We had 12 girls that were talent transfers so weren’t rugby players. To play and perform like they did was fantastic.

“We made some silly little errors. We knew that might happen but they are fixable things.

“They never gave up from the first whistle to the last. That’s all you can ask for.

“We’ll fix the other things up and will get better as the weeks go on.

“There were a couple of occasions yesterday in which the moves we’ve been putting on in training were coming off.

“To actually have the confidence to try some of these plays against a really physical side was pleasing to see as a coach.”

The Wire women will play their first ever home game on Sunday when they welcome neighbours Widnes Vikings to Victoria Park, kick off 2pm.

Wolves: Megan Moore; Sophie Cowle, Sally Conyers, Amy Daniels, Jen Pickersgill; Terri Allen, Megan Garvey; Aimie Toher, Molly Parker, Gillian Capper, Roxy Murdoch, Rowanne Smalley, Rebekah Wilson. Subs: Sarah Faulkner, Amber Leyland, Cat Davies, Keira McCosh, Ellie Jelves, Jade Crosby, Kirsty Hudson.