With just four rounds left in the Tyrrell’s Premier 15s season, this weekend sees Wasps FC Ladies face Bristol back on the home turf of Twyford Avenue.
Round 14 saw Wasps FC Ladies narrowly defeated by Loughborough Lightning in a battle that ended 26-20. Wasps led the game with Sarah Mitchelson putting the first points on the board. The team then conceded four tries to the hosts, including one penalty try. Despite a nail-biting end to the game, where Wasps FC Ladies scored three tries in the final 8 minutes, they suffered their first defeat of 2018.
With the Red Roses on release from Six Nations duty we see the threesome of Rocky Clarke, Amy Cokayne and Justine Lucas as the starting front row. Following her return from Brisbane Sevens, Tova Derk joins Danielle Waterman and Abby Dow to form the back three. Captain Kate Alder returns to the centre joined by Louise Dodd who is back in the 12 shirt.
The teams last encounter with Bristol ended in a black and gold victory. Back on home turf, the Swarm will be looking for a repeat against the strong side.
Defence Coach, Grant Hathaway: “Bristol are a team that we have a great deal of respect for and have prepared for a real physical test. We respect everything about them, but our main focus must remain us – and that means being as relentless as possible in the way we defend. If we are able to do that then we hope, alongside our 1st phase, we will provide ball for our attack.”
Team Line Up
15. Danielle Waterman 14. Abby Dow 13. Kate Alder 12. Louise Dodd 11. Tova Derk 10. Tina Veale 9. Sammy Wong 1. Rochelle Clark 2. Amy Cokayne 3. Justine Lucas 4. Nora Bultruweit 5. Alice Sheffield 6. Sarah Mitchelson 7. Elizabeth Crake 8. Nicola Smith
Replacements 16. Kate Hallett 17. Claire Purdy 18. Helena Ironton 19. Emily Maisey 20. Anna Glyn Davies 21. Hannah Edwards 22. Vicki Jackson
Report courtesy of Wasps FC Ladies
