Round Six of Allianz Premier 15s saw Wasps travel to Franklin’s Gardens to face Loughborough with multiple World Cup starts returning. Wasps were looking to build on past performances in the first half of the season against Lightning with a great feel in the camp. With conditions overcast and windy, Wasps went to work.
With 9 minutes gone, we saw the first action of the game, with Wasps penalised Loughborough kicked into the corner. From the resulting lineout a lightning driving maul brought their first try of the afternoon through Bryony Field. On the 14 minute mark Wasps came to life with a fantastic passage of play saw Liz Crake take the ball one handed on the run, throw a dummy pass and expertly offloads to Tilly Vaughan-Fowler who went over for Wasps, bringing the scores level at 5-5. On the 20 minute mark Lightning looked to play out wide, from a ball spread out to Carys Williams-Morris on the run she beat the Wasps defender and went over for Loughborough’s second of the afternoon. With 10 minutes of the half to go Loughborough were given another penalty. From a kick to the corner, another well timed lineout saw Bryony Field go over for her second try of the afternoon from the driving maul. Just before half-time two quick tries in succession from Williams-Morris and Bulou Mataitoga respectfully saw lightning take maximum points. Going into half-time lightning led 31-5
Half Time Score – Loughborough 31-5 Wasps
As the half began Wasps looked to grow into the game with a strong start being deep into Lightning’s half. Playing and recycling great ball and punching holes in the Loughborough line, 9 minutes into the half saw Lightning extend their lead by an extended arm from Christine Belisle bringing the score to 38-5 with extras added. With a 24 minute exchange of back and forth play with both teams advancing into each other’s half to no reward, Lightning broke the deadlock on 73 minutes with a kick and chase from Jess Weaver. The resulting kick brought Lightning a scrum and a driving maul which saw Fied go over for her third of the afternoon and make the score 45-5. With the final 5 minutes closing in Daisy Hibbert-Jones took a ball on the run from deep catching a good line and went over on 76 minutes for Lightning, 52-5. After a few minutes of coming on Phoebe Andrews took her chance for Lighting by going over for their ninth try of the afternoon, 57-5. In the last minute, Lauren Bolger took a ball shipped out wide on the run and touched down for Loughborough, with no extras the match finished 62-5. With positives to take from the match, the togetherness in the group is strong as we move on to Harlequins next week at Twyford Avenue.
Final Score – Loughborough 62-5 Wasps
With thanks to Wasps
