Round Three of Allianz Premier 15s brought the high-flying Gloucester-Hartpury to Twyford Avenue, bolstered by new signings and many also still to return. Wasps were looking to back up a fantastic performance against Saracens at the StoneX where character and resilience were not in short supply. With conditions overcast and windy, Wasps went to work.
With the game starting with a Wasps’ kick-off this brought the first action of the game with a knock-on presenting Wasps with an early scrum. From the resultant breakdown, Sam Monaghan managed to turn the ball over and Gloucester were able to take the ball down the right side with a subtle pass out to Ellie Underwood who would touch down for the first score of the afternoon.
Matters would get worse as the game was approaching the end of the first quarter where a well-worked ruck by Gloucester presented the opportunity for Gwen Crabb to wheel off and touch down for Gloucester’s second score. After 18 minutes it was 0-12.
Wasps would see light with a well-worked scrum which drew the penalty which Hannah Edwards would see no difficulty slotting over for 3 points. A flurry of tries from Crabb, Lizzie Glouden and Underwood would see Gloucester approach the close of the half 3-33 up. On the 38-minute mark, Eloise Hayward was sent for 10 minutes after a referee’s warning. In the closing minutes of the half from the resultant yellow and reset 5-meter scrum, Gloucester would score through Sarah Beckett. Upon the return, Gloucester made the most of space in the backfield which presented the opportunity for Goulden to go over for her second of the day. With the conversion unsuccessful the half would close with Gloucester leading 3-45.
Half Time Score – Wasps 3-45 Gloucester-Hartpury
As the half began a mistake from the kick-off presented an opportunity for Crabb to gain momentum in the Wasps’ 22 where she managed to beat the defenders and go over for her third of the day.
At the 43-minute mark, we saw the reintroduction of Madeka Lewis, whose pace rolled back the years and was fantastic to see. Equally, at the 49-minute mark, we saw a debut for Sophie Ragg joining us from Dartmouth University in the USA. In the coming minutes, we witnessed the physicality and intelligence she will bring to Wasps to complement the pace of Lewis in the backline. After a few attacking changes from Gloucester on 55 minutes, Rachel Lund met a ball on the outside and ran in for a try, 3-55.
Wasps made changes of their own with Liz Musgrove replaced by Polly Roberts after an equally impressive debut with exciting line breaks and always looking like a threat on the run. Secondly, Eloise Hayward was replaced by Tess Braunerova who added to an impressive game at 9 from Hayward, bringing a much-needed injection of pace and urgency in the final quarter.
The next 10 minutes would all be Wasps, fantastic runs and visits to the Gloucester 22 but sadly no reward for the outstanding hard work and effort shown by a well-running Wasps machine. Only try saving and line break tackles would stop Wasps from making their mark on the afternoon. At 68 minutes a well-worked build-up from Wasps ended up with Ciara Cooney going for 10 minutes leaving Gloucester down to 14 for the majority of the final 10 minutes. The reaction was instant with Tess Braunerova who took the ball on a sensational line bursting through the Gloucester defence for only a last-gasp tackle from Underwood to hold the ball up. Underwood would regather the ball a minute later and run in her third of the afternoon. With a big defence from Gloucester and the resulting lineout from kick-off, Wasps knocked on 10 metres out from Gloucester’s line. Gloucester made the most of possession by spreading the ball out wide from the scrum. Running up to the 22 a nice pass put Kelsey Jones in for the final score of the afternoon. With the extras missed the match ended 3-67.
With many positives to take from the match, the togetherness in the group is strong as we move on to DMP Sharks next in Darlington
Final Score – Wasps 3-67 Gloucester-Hartpury
With thanks to Wasps for this match report
