Two first half tries from Heather Kerr and Poppy Cleall, followed by a double from Abbie Scott after the break gave England their second win over the visitors, despite trailing at half-time in both fixtures.

Designed to provide an opportunity for players between the U20s programme and the EPS, as well as joining up the pathway between club rugby and the international game, England Lead XV coach Scott Bemand said of the series:

“It was really successful both in terms of that pathway, but also performance development and individuals having an opportunity to show what they’re about.

“The girls involved had different motivations; some were solidifying their competing for places ahead of the Six Nations, others making the step from club rugby into a National Academy environment and those who were in for accelerated development. Whatever their aspirational goals were, the squad impressed us.

“The next step is all about the Six Nations and preparations for that. We think we’re in a pretty good place; we’ve now got more experience and more caps coming through from the younger girls and the more experienced individuals are getting on top of the systems that we’re trying to play.

“I think the tournament next year is going to be an incredibly exciting opportunity and a chance for us to take our game to the next level”

England 37 Maple Leafs 29, Tuesday December 1

England 22 Maple Leafs 19, Saturday December 5

England will compete against the Maple Leafs for the second time this week, having recorded a thrilling 37-29 victory over the visitors on Tuesday, thanks to a strong second half and  a last minute try from Vickii Cornborough.

The series – which will conclude on Saturday – is designed to bridge the gap from U20s into senior international rugby.

There are six changes to the starting line-up for Saturday’s test, with an even split between forwards and backs.

Worcester’s Kelly Smith is named at full back, alongside Lucy Demaine who featured on the bench on Tuesday night. They are joined by Natasha Jones at fly half who replaces La Toya Mason.

In the forwards, Bianca Dawson of Wasps comes in tight-head, supported by club teammate Alexandra Powell in the second-row. Poppy Leitch will start at open-side.

Bemand said: “It will be exciting to see the next generation again on Saturday where we know we will face another strong test, giving players an excellent opportunity to put their hands up for future selection.”

Tickets are available on the gate at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

England National Academy v Canada Maple Leafs, Saturday December 5 (kick-off 2pm)

England National Academy

Kelly  Smith; Deborah Fleming, Lucy Demaine, Lauren Cattell, Charlotte  Clapp, Natasha Jones; Bianca Blackburn; Heather Kerr, Lark Davies, Bianca Dawson, Alexandra Powell, Courtney Gill, Poppy Cleall, Poppy Leitch, Abbie Scott

Replacements

Clara Nielson, Katie Trevarthen, Roz Jermine , Zoe Aldcroft, Joanna Brown, Leanne Riley, Rachel Lund, Georgia Gray, Holly Myers

Report courtesy of England Rugby

Two early scores from the Maple Leafs gave the visitors control of early proceedings, backs Emma Jada and Natasha Smith crossing within fifteen minutes of kick-off.

England found their stride soon after, executing a solid catch and drive before centre Rachel Lund made strides towards the line, offloading to wing Deborah Flemming who scored England’s first try out wide.

A second score to match Canada’s earlier efforts came soon after with newcomer Lotte Clapp orchestrating the counter attack, drawing in the final defender to put Bianca Blackburn clear to score.  Lauren Cattell missed her second conversion attempt of the night, leaving the Canadians with a two point lead 10-12.

Two further tries came with ten minutes remaining in the first half in a game of end-to-end rugby. Canada extended their lead by seven points, Emma Jada securing her second of the night after some impressive footwork put her clear.

England responded three minutes later, opting for touch after a penalty handed them advantage. A catch and drive allowed Abi Walker to dive over, putting England within two points of the Maple Leafs 17-15.

Canada started the second half much like the first, an early score through captain Cindy Nelles and subsequent conversion from Patrinos putting the visitors nine points clear.

It was twenty minutes before a ninth try was scored. Aggressive defence from England led to a penalty being awarded to the home side before another catch and drive enabled Poppy Leitch to cross the white wash. Cattell was unable to add the extras and left England trailing by four points.

Hope of a comeback for the home side was slowly fading as Canada pulled away again five minutes later, recycling quick ball from midfield to see Alex Tessier score.  29-20.

In an enthralling final 12 minutes, however, England would score three tries to edge the victory, centre Lauran Cattell, Poppy Leitch – who added to her early efforts – and replacement Vickii Cornborough all contributing to England’s try scoring tally.

With the scoreboard against them, England showed good continuity and handling, playing with high tempo, Leanne Riley’s offloading to Lauren Cattell on the blindside put the centre clear and England within four-points of Canada. 29-25

Poppy Leitch was the woman to put England ahead for the first time in the game with only six minutes remaining, producing a copy of her earlier efforts with a well-executed catch and drive off an attacking line-out. Cattell missed the extras but England now lead by a single point as the game closed out. 29-30

With a minute remaining, a final score to total 12 tries in the game was to come with England growing in determination after trailing for the majority of the game.

Quick hands in the midfield freed up Holly Myers to race clear down the touchline, making a well-timed inside pass to Sydney Gregson, who showed good strength, enabling quick recycling of the ball. A series of strong pick and goes allowed Vickii Cornborough to power over from five metres out and with Cattle’s conversion, giving England an impressive 37-29 victory.

England Lead XVs Coach Scott Bemand said after the game: “The purpose of the National Academy is to play credible fixtures with both aspects of performance and development in mind.

“The game provided a tough fixture against a strong Canada Maple Leafs squad that the girls had to find a way to win and in way that they were able to express what they were about as players. Last time we played a fixture like this in 2011 the squad contained a number of players who went on to win the 2014 World Cup.

“It will be exciting to see the next generation again on Saturday where we know we will face another strong test, giving players an excellent opportunity to put their hands up for future selection.”

England will play the Maple Leafs on Saturday, December 5 at Esher Rugby Club, kick-off 2pm. Tickets available on the gate.

England National Academy 

Sydney Gregson (Bristol); Debs Fleming (Saracens), Rachel Lund (Worcester), Lauren Cattell (Saracens), Lotte Clapp (Saracens); La Toya Mason (Darlington Mowden Park), Bianca Blackburn (Worcester); Heather Kerr (Darlington Mowden Park), Lark Davies (Worcester), Justine Lucas (Lichfield), Zoe Saynor (Richmond), Courtney Gill (Worcester),  Poppy Cleall (Saracens), Abbie Walker (Worcester), Abbie Scott (Darlington Mowden Park)

Replacements: Clara Nielson (Bristol), Vickii Cornborough (Richmond), Bee Dawson (Wasps), Zoe Aldcroft (Darlington Mowden Park), Poppy Leitch (Bristol), Leanne Riley (Richmond), Natasha Jones (Lichfield), Lucy Demaine (Whitland), Holly Myers (Richmond)

Tries: Deborah Fleming, Bianca Blackburn, Abi Walker, Poppy Leitch (2) Lauren Cattel, Vikkii Cornborough

Conv: Lauren Cattel

Canadian Maple Leafs:

Demi Stamatakis, Kristy Sargent, Daleaka Menin, Tyson Beukeboom, Camille Provençal-Aubei, Fabiola Forteza, Katie Syoboda, Cindy Nelles (c), Chelsea Guthrie, Jess Neilson, Emma Jada, Alex Tessier, Natasha Smith, Frederique Rajotte, Irene Patrinos, Britanny Priddle, Simone Savary,  Chelsea Minter, Janai Houpapa, Gabrielle Senft, Lori Josphson, Mackenzie Higgs, Amanda Williams

Tries: Emma Jada (2), Natasha Smith, Cindy Nelles,  Alex Tessier

Conv: Irene Patrinos

Report courtesy of England Rugby

Sydney Gregson (Photo: Sam Farr for Matchtight)

University of Bath rugby player Sydney Gregson helped England Women’s National Academy side record a last-gasp win over Canada in a 12-try thriller on Tuesday.

The Sport Performance student, who is supported by a Trendell Sports Scholarship, started at full-back as England’s development touched down twice in the last ten minutes to seal a 37-29 victory at Esher RFC.

Gregson, who had a key role in the decisive last-minute try, was one of a number of players in the team to have represented England at senior level, having made her debut in the 2015 Six Nations.

The Bristol RFC player has also won the European Championships with England U17s and represented her country in Sevens competition.

She will hope to be involved again when England face the Maple Leafs for a second time on Saturday at Esher RFC, kick-off 2pm. Tickets will be available on the gate.

England Lead XVs coach Scott Bemand said after Tuesday’s win: “The purpose of the National Academy is to play credible fixtures with both aspects of performance and development in mind.

“Last time we played a fixture like this in 2011 the squad contained a number of players who went on to win the 2014 World Cup.

“It will be exciting to see the next generation again on Saturday where we know we will face another strong test, giving players an excellent opportunity to put their hands up for future selection.”

The re-match is on Saturday December 5 (kick-off 2pm)

Report courtesy of Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd

Justine Lucas (Photo: England Rugby)

As part of the Women’s development pathway, the National Academy side includes current senior players – including La Toya Mason, Lotte Clapp and Justine Lucas who all featured in England’s autumn tests – alongside up and coming talent.

“The National Academy Programme aims to bridge the gap into senior international rugby” said Nicky Ponsford, Head of Performance.

“We have an ever strengthening U20 programme but there is a big gap from there to a full cap so this programme is designed to support individual players with their development. The games give an opportunity for players to practice the skills they have been working on and also provides an opportunity for a number of players who have been performing really well in club games to be seen against really good quality international competition.”

Commenting on England’s opposition, Ponsford said: “The Maple leafs will be a very strong outfit. The squad contains a number of younger players who were part of the squad that provided our seniors with a stern test in the summer. I am really looking forward to seeing the National Academy girls step up to the mark tonight and show their potential.”

Tickets are available on the gate at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.

England National Academy v Canada Maple Leafs, Esher Rugby, Tuesday December 1 (kick-off 7pm) and Saturday December 5 (kick-off 2pm)

England National Academy 

Sydney Gregson (Bristol); Debs Fleming (Saracens), Rachel Lund – pictured above (Worcester), Lauren Cattell (Saracens), Lotte Clapp (Saracens); La Toya Mason (Darlington Mowden Park), Bianca Blackburn (Worcester); Heather Kerr (Darlington Mowden Park), Lark Davies (Worcester), Justine Lucas (Lichfield), Zoe Saynor (Richmond), Courtney Gill (Worcester),  Poppy Cleall (Saracens), Abbie Walker (Worcester), Abbie Scott (Darlington Mowden Park)

Replacements: Clara Nielson (Bristol), Vickii Cornborough (Richmond), Bee Dawson (Wasps), Zoe Aldcroft (Darlington Mowden Park), Poppy Leitch (Bristol), Leanne Riley (Richmond), Natasha Jones (Lichfield), Lucy Demaine (Whitland), Holly Myers (Richmond)

Report courtesy of England Rugby

Above photo of Rachel Lund from www.ajbphotographic.co.uk