Bristol have gone from strength to strength this season, developing a talented squad which has seen the club maintain the top spot in the league since the start of the season. The team are looking to continue to build on their last victory, which saw them put 40 points past Saracens at Cleve RFC. Two tries from Irish flanker Claire Molloy and a debut try for University of Exeter’s Kayleigh Armstrong were among seven tries the home side put away.

This weekend the team travel to Sixways full of confidence and excitement, looking to put down a marker as the women’s game heads into a new phase of Super League Rugby next season.

Fullback Cat McNaney’s form has led her to keep her shirt over returning international Nolli Waterman, and England international Poppy Leitch returns to the starting line up in a strong back row.

Competition for a place in the Bristol team is highlighted by the strength of the bench, with internationals Thomas, Acheson and Joyce set to shine, alongside impressive Premiership performers Hood, Murray and Nielson.

Kick off is 3pm, and entry and parking is free.

The team has been named as:

1. Abbie Parsons
2. Carys Phillips
3. Sarah Bern
4. Amelia Buckland Hurry
5. Kayleigh Armstrong
6. Poppy Leitch
7. Claire Molloy
8. Izzy Noel Smith
9. Sian Moore
10. Elinor Snowsill
11. Chantelle Miell
12. Amber Reed (c)
13. Lottie Holland
14. Sydney Gregson
15. Cat McNaney
16. Clara Nielson
17. Caryl Thomas
18. Sasha Acheson
19. Jessie Hood
20. Phoebe Murray
21. Jaz Joyce
22. Nolli Waterman

Report courtesy of Bristol Ladies

MJ Church sporting ambassador Sydney Gregson and Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) trio Lottie Holland, Jessie Hood and Chantelle Miell are all in the Bristol Ladies squad for Sunday’s Premiership final against Aylesford Bulls at Sixways Stadium in Worcester (3pm).

Coach Education & Sports Development graduate Izzy Noel Smith, who recently helped England complete the Grand Slam in the Women’s Six Nations, is also a key member of a Bristol outfit determined to clinch the national title for the first time.

Gregson provided a stunning assist and Miell was on the scoresheet as Bristol, who finished top of the regular league table, booked their place in the final with a 43-10 win over Saracens Women.

“The club has never reached a Premiership final in its history and we are extremely excited to showcase what we have been working towards throughout the season,” said Gregson, who is supported by a Trendell Sports Scholarship.

“Personally I am eager to get onto the pitch with a very talented squad with the aspiration to come out as Premiership champions.

“The support I have received from both MJ Church and my sports scholarship at the University has been incredibly beneficial, allowing me to focus solely on my academic and sporting progression. This has taken a lot of stress away and enabled me to keep improving in my sport and succeed at being a student athlete.”

Gregson, Holland and Hood are all Sport Performance students, while Miell is studying Sport & Exercise Science. All have played for England at U20 level, with Miell also representing the Red Roses at 7s tournaments in Australia and the United States this year.

Hood, who has progressed from Bristol’s 2^nd XV to the senior starting line-up this season, said: “It’s great having the four of us training together at the University as part of both the Bristol and England EPS progammes. We aspire to be the best players in the league and it is helping to raise our standards.

“Sydney, Charlotte and Lottie are my closest friends here and are so supportive. Izzy has also been a great help, especially at this time of year when I’m juggling training with completing my dissertation, as she has been through it before.

“The workload is immense and you can find yourself stuck in the library from 9am to 8pm. Izzy told us how important it is to break up the day, get out of the library and onto the training pitch, and that has really helped.”

TASS funding allows Hood, Gregson, Holland and Miell access to strength and conditioning coaching with Luke Vella in the world-class gym at the University of Bath and physio support from Barry Edwards. They also receive lifestyle support through the Team Bath Dual Career Programme.

“The Premiership is semi-professional and having the support of TASS and Team Bath helps us perform to that standard,” said Hood.

“It is incredibly helpful being able to access physio treatment so quickly and the strength I have gained training with Luke has made a huge difference.

“We also get to train alongside other sports like judo, rowing and tennis which is great fun. It allows you to get away from focusing solely on rugby for a while.”

Applications for the 2017-18 Team Bath Dual Career Programme are now being accepted. For more information, visit www.teambath.com/athlete-zone.

Lead photo shows University of Bath students (from left) Chantelle Miell, Jessie Hood, Sydney Gregson and Lottie Holland following Bristol Ladies’ semi-final win against Saracens.

Report courtesy of Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd.

A well earned seven try victory over Saracens Women in the sunshine at Cleve RFC put Bristol into the final for the first time in the club’s history.

Poppy Cleall (sponsored by the School of Dance) set the home side up well as she stormed over the try line within 3 minutes of the whistle. Bristol continued to build on this platform, with long spells of possession and dominating territory. Hooker Clara Nielson got the next score of the game, after Sarah Bern (sponsored by Fifth Consultancy) made a line break and worked brilliantly with Phoebe Murray who put Nielson in under the posts. Seven minutes later Irish international Claire Molloy scored as Sydney Gregson ran an beautiful line through the middle of the Saracens’ defense. Amber Reed (sponsored by Colston’s School) slotted two conversions, taking the halftime score to 19 – 0.

The second half started in a similar vein to the first, with Molloy scoring from a driving maul two minutes in. Kayleigh Armstrong (sponsored by Maidenhead Aquatics) scored her first try in Bristol colours this afternoon, as she showed her strength to power over the line. Cleall got her second of the afternoon on 60 minutes, with Chantelle Miell taking the try total to seven for Bristol.  Saracens showed good heart and resilience to get two tries of their own before the end of the afternoon. Reed added two more conversions and the final score ended 43 – 10 to Bristol.

Head coach Roy Davies commented:  “I’m really pleased with our whole squad performance today. We got complete buy in from the players and this showed in an excellent performance. What was really encouraging was that there were points in the game where we were under pressure and had to work our way through, and the team did this exceptionally well. We had a strong bench and each player who came on had impact and played an important part in the victory.”

The final will take place at 3pm on Sunday the 23rd April at Sixways Stadium, keep an eye on our Facebook page for ticketing and logistics information.

In the final Bristol Ladies will face Aylesford Bull Ladies after their 22-15 win over Lichfield .  Lichfield Ladies and Saracens will play off for third place.

Bristol Ladies team:

1. Jessie Hood
2. Clara Nielson
3. Sarah Bern
4. Amelia Buckland Burry
5. Kayleigh Armstrong
6. Izzy Noel Smith
7. Claire Molloy
8. Poppy Cleall
9. Sian Moore
10. Amber Reed (c)
11. Jasmin Joyce
12. Phoebe Murray
13. Lottie Holland
14. Sydney Gregson
15. Elinor Snowsill

16. Abbie Parsons
17. Carys Phillips
18. Sasha Acheson
19. Poppy Leitch
20. Brooke Bradley
21. Chantelle Miell
22. Cat McNaney

Report courtesy of Bristol Ladies

Alongside the match Sharks hosted over 100 of their loyal supporters for the Annual Wine and Cheese Luncheon and welcomed touring side Selby Pens (u13 and u15) who formed a guard of honour, along with Mowden Park Juniors, as the teams took to the field.

The first half of the game was to be a battle of defences as both teams applied some rapid line speed.  Sharks adapted their game well and maintained possession forcing Saracens to infringe at the breakdown.  Sharks captain George Roberts kicked excellently for the corner and the well organised driven lineout resulted in the first points of the game when prop Heather Kerr powered over the line from close range after 5 minutes.  Fly half Hannah Morton missed the wide out conversion by only a few inches. 5-0

Saracens were next to score when hooker Vicky Fleetwood muscled over the line 5 minutes later, the added conversion giving Saracens a slender 2 point advantage.  The remaining 30 minutes of the half saw a great display of rugby as supporters soaked up the sunshine at The Northern Echo Arena.  Both sides had opportunities to score but neither were able to get over the line.

Sharks Coreen Grant had the crowd on their feet as she made a surging run through the Saracens defence advancing from deep in her own half to the Saracens 22m.  Both teams appeared to be solar powered as they kept up a ferocious pace throughout the half.  As the teams wentin for half time it was Saracens who were ahead on the score board but it Sharks who had dominated the half.

HT 5-7

Coming out for the second half Sharks looked to maintain pressure after dominating set piece in the first half and generally having the upper hand.  Sharks conceded a succession of penalties giving Saracens opportunities to attack from set piece but each time the home side found a way to grind out a turn over and clear their lines.

Sharks welcomed second row Abbie Scott back into the fray after a long layoff with a knee injury.  At the same time Freya Wilde made way for replacement scrum half Caity Mattinson.

A turning point in the game came when Sharks prop Heather Kerr made a barnstorming run through the middle of the Saracens defence setting a platform deep in the Saracens 22m.  The ball popped out of the breakdown and Saracens quickly turned their defence into attack outpacing the Sharks first line of defence.  Zoe Aldcroft made a colossal effort to get back and make a crucial tackle close to the Shark’s try line.

Saracens were not prepared to let the opportunity slip and in the ensuing phase it was Fleetwood again was on hand to cross the line and break the deadlock of the second half.  Sharks captain Roberts was injured in the melee and left the field with a blood injury forcing the home side to shuffle the team around.

Saracens sensed their opportunity and at 70 minutes snuck another try in to take a firm grip of the game.  Roberts returned to the field patched up and Sharks fought hard in front of a vocal home crowd as time ran out on the game.

FT 5-21

Sharks would like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who shared the day and the season with them.  The whole team are incredibly grateful for the support they receive from supporters and the wider club and hope that you will all join them as they venture into the new Super League next season. Watch this space for news of exciting opportunities to be a part of the new era of Sharks rugby!

Report courtesy of DMP Sharks

Aylesford stormed into a healthy first-half lead with a Hannah Breach brace followed by tries from Leanne Riley, Michi Sillari and Rachel Burford as Zoe Bennion added a score for the visitors.

Valkyries’ Lark Davies opened the second period with a try but scores from Montei Roi, Holly Myers and Breach’s third put the game beyond doubt before Courtney Gill added a consolation score at the death.

Aylesford got off to a whirlwind start to the game as Breach capitalised on a turnover to score in the corner in the first minute and Sillari added the extras.

The hosts soon added their second try as Riley went over from a quickly-taken penalty to strengthen the lead and Sillari added the conversion.

Sillari then added a quick third in the same corner as Aylesford took full control of the opening period.

Worcester began to grow into the game as the visitors went through several phases before good work from Lydia Thompson and Samantha Bree opened up a gap for Bennion to crash through to score.

However the hosts extended their lead as Burford capitalised from another quickly-taken penalty.

Breach then added a fifth for Aylesford as they dominated possession in the Worcester 22 and this was the last score of the first period with the half-time score reading 29-5 to the hosts.

Valkyries built pressure in the Bulls 22 and got their reward when Davies crashed over from close range after a driving maul and Goddard converted.

But a lack of concentration from Valkyries saw the hosts capitalise with Roi receiving the ball after several offloads to go over.

Breach soon added her hat-trick with a quality individual try, running in from the Worcester 22.

Valkyries were unable to cope with another bombardment of Aylesford attacks and conceded as Myers crossed the line from another quick penalty.

However it was Worcester who had the final say of the game as Gill scored from a driving maul.

Valkyries have one final game this season when they face Bristol Ladies Rugby in the Senior Cup Plate Final at Royal Wootton Bassett RFC on Saturday 1 April (kick-off 3.15pm).

Timeline
01m | Breach try 5-0
01m | Sillari con 7-0
06m | Riley try 12-0
07m | Sillari con 14-0
13m | Sillari try 19-0
17m | Bennion try 19-5
26m | Burford try 24-5
30m | Breach try 29-5
50m | Davies try 29-10
51m | Goddard con 29-12
66m | Roi try 34-12
70m | Breach try 39-12
78m | Myers try 44-12
79m | Gill try 44-17

Valkyries | 1 Harriet Dunn, 2 Lark Davies, 3 Laura Keates, 4 Stacey Hiscox, 5 Courtney Gill (c), 6 Helena Bunce (Donnahey 60), 7 Sian Williams (B Williams 60-62), 8 Lyndsay O’Donnell, 9 Bianca Blackburn, 10 Megan Goddard, 11 Samantha Bree (Bixley 40), 12 Ceri Large, 13 Zoe Bennion, 14 Rhi Parker, 15 Lydia Thompson

Replacements | 16 Rhi Donnahey, 17 Jasmine Bixley 18 Benedicte Williams

Report By Tom Branston

The bonus point victory over Wasps Ladies set up a home play off semi final against Saracens Women on April the 9th and the focus now turns to the Plate final next weekend, and progressing through the play offs.

The home side put five tries passed Wasps in the first half, with the forwards showing their dominance. Returning international Izzy Noel Smith (sponsored by Prior Park Schools) set up the first try of the afternoon, breaking through several Wasps tackles to send Clara Nielson over the try line on eight minutes. Four minutes later Poppy Cleall (sponsored by The School of Dance) ran a beautiful line and dotted the ball down under the posts.

Cat McNaney scored a phenomenal solo try moments later, stealing the ball from the opposition mid tackle and running the length of the pitch to get the third of the afternoon. A well executed scrum resulted in Nielson getting her second of the game, whilst a strong ball carry and break almost saw Kayleigh Armstrong (sponsored by Maidenhead Aquatics) score, however unselfishly she passed the ball onto Sarah Bern (sponsored by Fifth Consultancy) to secure the points for the home side. Two conversions from the boot of Lucy Attwood took the halftime score to 29 – 0.

Wasps reset at half time, and scored minutes into the second half as Bristol were slow out of the blocks after the break. However, this sparked the home side back into action, and Bern showed her pace as she received a well timed offload from Captain Buckland-Hurry to get her second of the afternoon. Bern then secured her hat trick with the last play of the game to score directly under the posts. Cleall also added a second try to her tally on 65 minutes. Sarah Graham took over kicking duties during the second half, with two successful conversions ending the game on 48 – 7.

Eight tries from Bristol earned them a bonus point win, finishing the regular season on 60 points and top of the table. Lichfield, who have always been hot on their heels all season, finished second on 59 points after their win over Richmond Saturday. The play off semi finals are now set, with Bristol facing Saracens, and Lichfield facing Aylesford Bulls – both games due to be played on the 9th April.

Next week Bristol are back in cup action, running out in the Plate Final being held at Royal Wootten Bassett RFC where Bristol Ladies face Worcester Valkyries, kick off is 3pm.

Bristol Ladies would like to say a big thank you to all their supporters who have cheered them on all the way this season, and their sponsors for all their support – they said: ‘we look forward to continuing our journey this season with you’.

Report courtesy of Bristol Ladies Media Manager – Emma Bacon

The play off semi finals are now set, with Bristol facing Saracens, and Lichfield facing Aylesford Bulls – both games due to be played on the 9th April.

Next week the Plate Final is being held at Royal Wootten Bassett RFC where Bristol Ladies face Worcester Valkyries, kick off is 3pm.

Sunday 26th March

Bristol Ladies                                    48 – 7                    Wasps Ladies

Aylesford Bulls Ladies                     44 – 17                  Worcester Valkyries Ladies

Darlington Mowden Park               5 – 21                    Saracens Ladies

Saturday 25th March

Lichfield Ladies                                48 – 0                    Richmond Ladies

Premiership Table

The home game against Wasps Ladies marks the final hurdle before the start of the Play Offs, with the games this weekend deciding who finishes top of the league. Bristol Ladies currently sit in top position, with Lichfield Ladies in close pursuit one point behind.

The game promises to be a fast paced and exciting encounter as England Grand Slam winners Poppy Cleall, Sarah Bern and Izzy Noel Smith return to the starting line up, with Wales Scrum Half Sian Moore also back in action. This is paired with the newly uncovered talent of Lucy Attwood at 10 and Phoebe Murray at 12, both in their first season with Bristol Ladies, and looking to make their mark on the club.

The reverse fixture, the first game of the season, was much closer than the scoreline suggested with the wet weather and rusty errors that come from the first game back providing a challenge for both sides to overcome. On that occasion big performances from Cleall and Noel Smith helped Bristol secure a 39 – 3 victory away from home.  With the experience of the internationals back in the fold, mixed with the newly found flair of some of our youngsters, the game is destined to be a display of high quality, top flight rugby.

During the day at Cleve RFC there will be a Kit Sale, the opportunity to win tickets to a Bristol Rugby fixture and the appearance of both Brizzly Bear and Nando’s Chicken.

Kick off is 2.45pm on Sunday 26th March.

The team has been named as:

1. Jessie Hood

2. Clara Nielson

3. Sarah Bern

4. Amelia Buckland Hurry (c)

5. Keyleigh Armstrong

6. Poppy Leitch

7. Izzy Noel Smith

8. Poppy Cleall

9. Sian Moore

10. Lucy Attwood

11. Chantelle Miell

12. Phoebe Murray

13. Lottie Holland

14. Sydney Gregson

15. Cat McNaney

16. Jeanine Stephenson

17. Sasha Acheson

18. Kate Newton

19. Sue Neumann

20. Brooke Bradley

21. Sarah Graham

22. Rownita Marston

Report courtesy of Bristol Ladies Media Manager – Emma Bacon

David Mobbs-Smith

The former fly-half will lead a restructured coaching team for the forthcoming 2017/18 season, overseeing player development across the whole squad as well as acting as lead coach for the women’s 1st XV.

An RFU Level 3 Coach, David was Head Coach of London and South East Women for whom he led the skills program and the off field development of potential England players, whilst also overseeing coach and support staff.  Other positions he has fulfilled include roles at Wasps RFC and London Welsh Academy. He is also currently 1st XV Skills Coach at Hampton School.

Additionally he has a huge amount of experience of men’s elite and women’s international 7s.  As Head Coach for the Sweden Women’s 7s squad, Mobbs-Smith recently returned them to the Grand Prix a year ahead of Strategic Plan targets having been responsible for leading both the Senior and U18s programmes.

Speaking of his appointment, David Mobbs-Smith said: “I am hugely excited to be joining Richmond FC at this crucial time in their history. The women’s section has a fantastic pedigree of success, producing World Cup winners, international players and in winning League and Cup titles. I am looking forward to preparing the women for the challenges of the season ahead, whether they are new to the game or have ambitions in Super Rugby and beyond.”

As Head Coach he will lead Richmond in the newly formed Super Rugby competition, following the announcement of the club’s successful tender last month. Super Rugby replaces the Women’s Premiership structure and aims to drive professional standards in the game, both domestically and at an elite level, whilst continuing to encourage more women and girls to play the sport.

Richmond Director of Rugby, Steve Hill, said: “David will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the women’s section and we are delighted to appoint him now, allowing preparations for the new Super Rugby competition to begin immediately.  This is just the first exciting addition to the women’s offering at Richmond.’’

Report courtesy of Richmond FC

Valkyries are seeking a high-calibre candidate for a new full-time position to become Valkyries’ new boss from the 2017/18 campaign when current Director of Rugby Donna Kennedy steps down.

Valkyries have a proud history within the top tier of elite women’s rugby in England and will form part of the new Women’s Super Rugby competition next season.

The Valkyries Director of Rugby will work under the umbrella of the Worcester Warriors Academy department and will be responsible for the development and delivery of all aspects of the Valkyries programme.

Key Responsibilities will include:
• Delivery of coaching to Worcester Valkyries including the development of game-planning, team selection and match analysis
• Overseeing the delivery of all aspects of player performance and welfare, including strength & conditioning, medical, nutrition and performance analysis
• Overseeing the Team Manager in determining logistical arrangements for the team including training schedules, fixtures and travel
• Staff management including involvement in recruitment, coach development and staff appraisal
• Delivery of one-to-one and small group coaching to Worcester Valkyries players
• Development and delivery of both team and individualised player development plans
• Development of close working relationships with national team coaches
• Development of relationships with local women’s and girls’ clubs and schools
• Key involvement in the recruitment and retention of players
• Ensuring the programme is delivered within the allocated budget
• Fulfilment of media responsibilities and acting as an ambassador for Worcester Valkyries
• Maintaining their own professional skills and qualifications through relevant Continuous Professional Development activities

Person Specification/Qualifications
• A minimum of the RFU Level 3 coaching qualification, or equivalent (required)
• Proven track record in the delivery of elite-level rugby (required)
• Experience in a full-time professional coaching role (desired)
• Experience working within a multi-disciplinary rugby environment
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills
• The ability to think strategically and to manage the implementation of change
• Evidence of active participation in relevant Continuous Professional Development

The role will come with a salary of between £35,000 and £40,000. To apply please send a CV to valkyries@warriors.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 17 March.