It may be a late start to 2021, but Wasps secured a strong start to the second half of the Allianz Premier 15s system in their home match against Worcester Warriors.
Wasps had a slow start to the game but soon found their flow in the later stages going onto score six tries and securing 40 points; Worcester leaving with just 3 from an early penalty. Muir, Crake, Dow, Quansah and Mitchelson all found themselves crossing the whitewash with Jones supplying the extras.
Worcester put the first points on the board with an early penalty in Wasps 22m. Wasps had a good shift in defence during the opening minutes of the game whilst Worcester fought for territory. Testament to the hard graft the team have put in with defense coach, Ollie Bishop, Wasps came through on top- denying the opposition of a try.
The first try came in the 25th minute after a Wasps 5 line out. From a driving maul, the team shifted the ball out to Muir who carried it over the line to put Wasps out in front.
Soon to follow was the turn of fellow prop, Crake, who made her way through Worcester’s defence after a chaotic phase in play, finding the line to the left of the posts.
Wasps went into the break 11 points ahead of the opposition and fuelled by their lead, score in the first minute of play. With the irish duo of Molloy and Moloney behind here, Muir crossed the line for her second of the game.
Jones’ boot shouldn’t go unmentioned- converting 5 from 6 tries in today’s match. The fourth a notable display of skill, making the posts from teammate and partner Quansah’s try out on the far corner.
Wasps found themselves back defending their try line after a series of penalties against them gave Worcester an opportunity to score from a 5m line out. But despite the upfront effort from the opposition- Wasps game through to take play back into their own hands.
Dow found herself with an easy run away in the 60th minute. After receiving the ball in the backfield from a Worcester kick, the Wasps fullback headed straight through the Worcester defence and straight through to the try line. Fisher was on her tail, but couldn’t match the speed of Dow.
Mitchelson put the final points on the board for the day after dancing her way through Worcester’s defense from 10m out in the final 3minutes of play.
No. 13, Wilson Hardy, shared her joy to be back on the field today after the longer than anticipated break:
“There was a definite buzz around the team after having nearly two months without playing. Training has been challenging and we have been pushed out of our comfort zone. But that’s where you want to be. Comfortable with being uncomfortable. It paid off and we managed to break down a really strong Worcester defence. So proud of everyone today.”
A slow start but a feisty finish against a strong Worcester side giving Wasps plenty to build from for next week’s trip north to face DMP Durham Sharks in round 12.
Courtesy of Wasps
