AFTER a successful season last year, winning the Women’s League Grand Final for the third year running and finishing second in the Women’s Premier Division, it was no surprise that Thatto Heath came out fighting in their first game of the season against Stanningley on Sunday.

With some newly signed players - experienced new recruits and those who have progressed from junior level at Thatto Heath Saints Girls - there was some settling in to be done.

In a game that displayed a lot of skill, agility and strength from both sides, Heath came away with a victory of 52-4.

Tries came from Lizzie Gladman, Tara Jones, Tara Stanley, Jenny Welsby and two each for Rachel Thompson, Jodie Cunningham and Sammie Simpson, with Thompson and Stanley also converting three successful kicks each.

Player of the match was awarded to the Thatto Heath captain Jenny Welsby.

The women's team travel to Normanton Knights on Sunday.

Leading into the campaign, Thatto Heath eased to an impressive 24-4 win over Bradford Bulls in a friendly at Hattons Solicitors Crusader Park.

Faye Gaskin starred with two tries and four goals for the hosts, who built an 18-0 half time lead that proved too much for the Bulls to overturn after the break.

A cagey opening promised a close contest but Roxy Mura went over on the Thatto left before Gaskin's double.

The scrum-half goaled all three efforts to give Thatto their first half cushion, while Lizzie Gladman crossed in the second half to take the lead to 24-0 with Rachel Thompson's conversion.

Bulls fought hard and earned some reward when Jess Hopkins went over in the right hand corner. The try completed the scoring as Lisa Taylor could not add the extras.

It was a fine victory for Thatto, for whom full-back Jodie Cunningham was another standout performer.