The MAC is back and Wasps remain unbeaten by Bristol Bears
Described by Liz Crake as an inevitable “dog fight”, this week’s events did not disappoint when Wasps took on Bristol at Shaftsbury park. Wasps have remained victorious over the hosts in their previous encounters of the Tyrrell’s competition. But with Bristol sitting below them in fourth place the stakes were high for both teams.
The hosts got off to a flying start with an early penalty taken by Elinor Snowsill landing them the first points on the board. But Wasps were quick to retaliate- a penalty earned them a line out in Bristol’s 22 and a driving maul took Hannah West flying over the line.
Right down to the final play of the half, possession and power swung between both teams- with Bristol trying to penetrate Wasps defence. But when Wasps fell a man short, Bristol took their opportunity to win a penalty try from a scrum on Wasp’s 5m, securing them the lead at half time.
Determined to maintain their unbeaten run over Bristol, Wasps came back from the sheds ready to sting. Not long into the second half, Hannah Edwards closed the gap between the teams with a penalty kick shortly followed by another from Lizzie Goulden- Wasps now had the lead with 20 to go.
Looking to solidify their lead over the hosts, Wasps maintained their dominance in the second half searching for gaps in Bristol’s defence. With minutes left in the game, Claudia MacDonald, returning to the field from injury, made her mark sniping through a gap to take her over the white line and take Wasps to an 8 point lead.
A huge game for both teams, but Captain Kate Alder lead her team to victory against Bristol Bears once again- the final score 10-18. Testament to her endless energy on attack and flawless defence, she was named Player of the match by Heather Fisher and Jonnie Hammond.
Wasps Ladies
15.Abby Dow, 14.Katie Mason, 13.Gemma Rowland, 12.Kate Alder, 11.Tova Derk, 10.Hannah Edwards, 9.Lucy Nye; 1. Isabel Rico, 2.Hannah West, 3.Mica Evans, 4. Alex Powell, 5.Liz Crake, 6.Sarah Mitchelson, 7.Claire Molly, 8.Harriet Millar-Mills
Replacements: 16.Louise Dodd, 17.Mica Evans, 18.Nora Baltruweit, 19.Edel McMahon, 20.Claudia MacDonald, 21.Lizzie Goulden, 22.Makeda Lewis
Bristol Bears Women
15. Lauren Smyth, 14. Lilly Stoeger-Goddard, 13. Lucy Attwood, 12. Lucie Skuse, 11. Phoebe Murray, 10. Elinor Snowsill, 9. Lucy Burgess; 1. Naomi Keddie, 2. Clara Nielson (CC), 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Hollie Cunningham, 5. Siwan Lillicrap, 6. Ebony Jefferies, 7. Poppy Leitch, 8. Row Marston
Impact Players: 16. Charlie Budge, 17. Caryl Thomas, 18. Ellie Mulhearn, 19. Daisie Mayes, 20. Charlotte Wright-Haley, 21. Becky Hughes, 22. Lois Bird
Courtesy of Wasps
