Worcester were away to Aylesbury on Sunday and contrary to form so far this season, they flew out of the blocks from kick off and it didn’t take long for the them to open their account.
Aimee Lensson stole the ball and Worcester started their attack, with strong carries from Lisa Campbell, Lark Davies and Zoe Bennion. A cross-field kick to Aylesford’s full back was chased down and stolen by Rachel Lund who offloaded to Bennion to open Worcester’s account. Ceri Large was unable to convert.
Rochelle Clark took the ball from Aylesford’s re-start allowing Lund to quickly add a try of her own, this time converted by Large, who crossed the whitewash herself shortly after, and added the extras.
The tries started to flow as both Bennion and Large completed a brace after just 16 minutes. The two combined fantastically in the centre supporting each other’s runs throughout. Rhiannon Donnahey showing skilled play at the breakdown.
After a 15 minute spell of Aylesford pressure, Worcester pushed on and Sam Parker was next to score. Moments later Lund went over for her own brace, created from a lineout won by Lyndsay O’Donnell and a strong run from Benny Williams. The half ended 39-0.
For the second half, the Aylesford re-start didn’t go 10 and Lisa Campbell picked up from the scrum breaking free from several tackles and offloading to Kelly Smith who crossed the whitewash. The conversion unsuccessful.
Lenssen collected the loose restart ball and support was quickly on hand from Bianca Blackburn at the breakdown, with quick ball to Campbell popping to Lark Davies who carried well, drawing Aylesford in, for Large to break through, followed by Courtney Gill and then Rhiannon Watkins who released to Large, who combined with Lund well, but it was Large who crossed the line for her hat-trick. Lark Davies was next to cross the line (converted by Blackburn) followed by Lund and Bennion who completed their hat tricks (Large adding the extras on one).
Returning to action for the first time since last season, Lydia Thompson, capitalised on the tiring Aylesford back line and crossed the line twice. Sam Bree, also returning to action, couldn’t quite manage the same feat but narrowly missed scoring as she was tackled in the corner and dropped the ball just short of the line. The scoring was rounded up by a fourth try from Bennion, which was converted by a drop kick from Large to seal the 87-0 victory for the visitors.
The majority of the tries were scored by the backs, but the significant work rate and strong carries from the pack didn’t go unnoticed and again the impact from the bench worked well from head coach, Kat Merchant, with Helena Bunce, Harriet Dunn and Sophie Williams making their mark on the game.
There were many positives to take away from the game to hopefully build upon for next week’s Premiership clash against Wasps, with support work and strong ball carrying playing a big part in the high scoring game. The work rate from all was outstanding. Despite the score-line, too many points were lost due to missed conversions – place kicking must be an area for Worcester to work on, as points difference could prove crucial come the end of the season.
Worcester host Wasps at Weston’s next Sunday and hope to increase the pressure on those above them in the league to secure a top four play-off position finish.
Worcester gave thanks to their sponsors and supporters VetsNow, NMU, Foil Specialist, Gardiner Fosh, Worcestershire County Council, New Inn Claines, Knowle Sports, Aline, Hasbeanz and AJB Photographic for their continued support.
Photo above shows Aimee Lennsen by AJB Photographic.
Report by Andy Baldwin, Worcester Media Manager
