The players, all aged between 15 and 18 years old, will have access to coaching and lifestyle support from the Blue & Gold within their home region at ADCs located in seven host venues across the South West – Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucester, Somerset and Wiltshire.

More than 450 aspiring netballers applied to join the talent-development programme, supported by Team Bath’s Principal Partner Haines Watts, and attended screening during September and October.

The successful applicants receive on-court technical training and strength & conditioning coaching at their ADC on Monday evenings, although those sessions have been taking place online during lockdown. They have also received a Team Bath induction presentation, sharing the values and goals that the Blue & Gold aspire to, and have access to a brand-new Athlete Performance Manager.

Team Bath has a proud tradition of developing players through the performance pathway and onto the national and international stage. Nine of this year’s ADC intake have been selected to trial for England at U17 and U19 level, while recent Academy players Kirsty Harris, Hannah Passmore and Abi Robson have all been named in the Blue & Gold’s 2021 Vitality Superleague squad.

Find out more about the Academy Development Centres by visiting netball.teambath.com/futures-pathway.

Team Bath Netball Academy Development Centres 2020-21

Blandford, Dorset Academy (based at Bryanston School)

Isobel Bailey, Maddie Birch, Eleanor Blakeway, Ashleigh Browne, Lauren Corn, Milly Davis, Elisa Dewhirst, Grace Farrar, Sophie Jackson, Amber Marlowe, Leyla Nalbantoglu, Bryony O’Hare, Emily Padfield, Eve Stickland, Daisy Taylor, Jamilla Thompson, Olivia Veale, Bevin-Mae White, Scarlett Williams, Amy Wood.

Lead coach: Sonja Payne. Assistant coaches: Kerry Walsh, Roni Peck. Strength & Conditioning coach: Jack Phillips.

Bristol Academy (based at SGS College)

Phoebe Aisher, Laila Akenzua Al-Kareem, Maisie Arnold, Millie Bombroff, Lucy Creed, Annie Davis, Holly Gaiger, Maddi Giles, Bronte Goddard-Lock, Molly Goult, Elizabeth Hardie, Sophie Harrison, Rebecca Hinkins, Hannah Jackson, Jess Lewis, Molly Livesey, India Monllor, Roisin O’Rourke, Nancy Read, Lily Rogers, Lowri Stephens.

Lead coach: Tammie Anderson. Assistant coach: Frankie Nutt. Strength & Conditioning coach: Jack Davies.

Exeter, Devon Academy (based at The Maynard)

Izzy Baker, Josie Bulled, Tia Chaloner, Natalie Charity, Emily Churchill, Amy Cornish, Amelia Disney, Caitlyn Fee, Louisa Gibbins, Annie Grief, Megan Hamilton-Strong, Daisy Harrison, Gemma Hughes, Faye Kinsella, Nevie Milne, Eden Robinson, Reese Robinson, Kitty Sampson, Charlotte Steer, Lily Tomlinson, Ella Williams.

Lead coach: Chantelle Cox. Assistant coach: Sandra Wood. Strength & Conditioning coach: Steve Petrie.

Glastonbury, Somerset Academy (based at Millfield School)

Sarah Bugeja, Lucy Chatwin, Alice Clark, Fleur Florin, Abi Greenslade, Sophie Hamilton, Sasha Hartley, Katie Honeywell, Madison Lewis, Sarah Long, Isabelle MacKenzie, Neve Mortimer, Isla Jessica Niddrie, Fechi Okafor, Ella Porter, Olivia Ralph, Maisie Robins, Catrin Roy, Jessie Smyth-Lees, Bella Valeur-Adu, Ella Williams, Isabella Woollard.

Lead coach: Jenna Culley (pictured above). Assistant coach: Maddie Heywood. Strength & Conditioning coach: Ash Stoneman.

Gloucester Academy (based at Hartpury College)

Jemima Bennett, Isabelle Claxton, Zoe Dibble, Natasha Englefield, Amaya Herold, Ineke Johson, Lily Jones, Megan Lawrence, Fearne Maine, Rebecca Moore, Grace Orgill, Rose Orgill, Victoria Procter, Amelie Reid, Thea Rhodes, Abigail Richardson, Effie Robinson, Coco Sanger-Davies, Imogen Thirlby, Marsha-May Townsend, Olivia Wilson.

Lead coach: Nikki Lloyd. Strength & Conditioning coach: Meganwy Roberts.

Salisbury, Wiltshire Academy (based at Bishop Wordworth’s School)

Olivia Anderson, Jasmine Antunovic-Fry, Eloise Beattie, Sarah Bromfield, Giselle Burnett, Olivia Busher, Skye Dowling, Ellie Glasgow, Alice Hines, Molly Hole, Lara Makin, Diba Mansourian, Molly Martindale, Phoebe Moloney, Abigail Moss, Daisy Pointon, Charlotte Rankine, Scarlett Williams.

Lead coach: Leanne Lewis. Assistant coach: Sian Robbins. Strength & Conditioning coach: Ash Stoneman.

Truro, Cornwall Academy (based at Truro & Penwith College

Lucy Bate, Annabelle Bull, Bryher Croker, Jessie Dixon, Isla Harvey, Anya Hocking, Sienna Le Moine, Martha Lushington, Bethany Mather, Holly May, Olivia May, Ayana Mills, Lynty Misselbrook, Abigail Morcom-Harneis, Merryn O’Conaill, Lareesa Parrott, Freya Prodger, Mia Rickwood, Drew Robinson, Freya Rowse, Tilly Waters, Jennifer Wilson, Libby Worrall.

Lead coach: Jean Davies. Assistant coaches: Ameilia Grigg, Jess Colwill. Strength & Conditioning coach: Atis Amaglo.

Courtesy of Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight

The EWA provides an individualised programme for players and offers support specific to their needs to maximise the chances of future transition to the senior squad.

A separate Spin Bowling Group has also been added to the 2019/20 intake, in addition to the Training Squad.

The Training Squad and the Spin Bowling Group cater for players who are currently seen as having the potential to be part of the EWA in the future.

Head Coach of the England Women’s Academy, John Stanworth, said: “We look forward to working closely with this group across the next 12 months.

“The opportunity to develop their skills alongside other talented players on a regular basis is an important part of their development.

“It is an exciting group of players and we look forward to seeing them progress through the different experiences they will be exposed to both here and abroad.”

England Women’s 2019/20 Academy

Lauren Bell (Berkshire)

Maia Bouchier (Hampshire)

Alice Capsey (Surrey)

Charlie Dean (Hampshire)

Sarah Glenn (Worcestershire)

Danielle Gibson (Wales)

Amy Gordon (Surrey)

Freya Kemp (Sussex)

Lucia Kendall (Hampshire)

Ella McCaughan (Sussex)

Issy Wong (Warwickshire)

Training Squad

Alex Avoth (Hampshire)

Grace Ballinger (Warwickshire)

Chloe Brewer (Surrey)

Ria Fackrell (Warwickshire)

Lauren Filer (Somerset)

Alex Griffiths (Wales)

Sophie Munro (Nottinghamshire)

Sonali Patel (Middlesex)

Grace Scrivens (Kent)

Deeksha Sharma (Surrey)

Olivia Thomas (Lancashire)

Natasha Wraith (Somerset)

Spin Bowling Group

Hannah Baker (Worcestershire)

Helen Fenby (Durham)

Bethan Miles (Buckinghamshire)

Ellie Mitchell (Somerset)

Ilenia Sims (Staffordshire)

Sophia Smale (Wales)

Courtesy of the ECB

The development side will face a USA Women’s Selects team at Newbury RFC on Tuesday 13 November (KO 7.30pm) and Canada Women A at Cobham RFC on Wednesday 21 November (KO 7.30pm).

Of the 23 players named, six have represented the Red Roses and four have recently toured with England Women U20.

Rosie Galligan (Saracens), Ellie Green (Harlequins), Detysha Harper (Firwood Waterloo) and Ella Wyrwas (Loughborough Lightning) all represented England U20 during their 3-0 series win in Canada in August.

Sasha Acheson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 5 caps), Rowena Burnfield (Richmond FC, 47 caps), Lauren Cattell (Saracens, 23 caps), Poppy Leitch (Bristol Bears, 6 caps), Charlotte Pearce (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps) and Millie Wood (Gloucester-Hartpury, 3 caps) have all previously gained international experience with England Women.

The squad will train separately to the Red Roses, who play the three-Test Quilter Internationals through November, coached and managed by a combination of senior England Women and England Women U20 coaches.

England Women Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “The National Academy fixtures have become an integral part of our international talent ID and development programme. The two-game series gives us a chance to look at players just outside the Quilter International squad but who are excelling in the Tyrrells Premier 15s.”

Both games are free entry for fans. For access information, click here for Newbury RFC and here for Cobham RFC.

Following their recent selection camp, head coach Jo Yapp has selected an England Women U20 squad for the 2018/19 season.
Megan Davey (Loughborough Lightning), Ellie Green (Harlequins), Detysha Harper (Firwood Waterloo) and Ella Wyrwas (Loughborough Lightning) have been selected for both the National Academy and the age group squad.

New names to the squad include: Iona Antwis (Gloucester-Hartpury), Teya Ashworth (Harlequins RFC/Aylesford), Shauna Bennett (Gloucester-Hartpury), Charlie Budge (Bristol Bears), Carys Cox (Worcester Valkyries), Megan Davey (Loughborough Lightning), Merryn Doidge (Bristol Bears), Bryony Field (Loughborough Lightning), Ebony Jefferies (Bristol Bears), Florence Long (Bristol Bears), Jodie Mallard (Wellingborough), Laura Perrin (Firwood Waterloo), Ellen Ramsbottom (Loughborough Lightning), Anya Richmond (Loughborough Lightning), Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury), Lucie Skuse (Bristol Bears), Jessica Thomas (Bristol Bears), Megan Varley (Worcester Valkyries) and Louisa Ward (Harlequins).

The U20s will play three fixtures this season, against the Army and then home and away to France (details TBC).

Yapp said: “Following our tour in the summer, we have seen a number of U20 players selected into the Red Roses squad ahead of the Quilter Internationals.

“This provides an opportunity for new players who have come through the pathway. This season we have seen a number of good performances at club level in the Tyrrells Premier 15s, which is proving a great platform for player development.

“We are now looking forward to building towards the three games later in the season.”

As a result of a number of players progressing into the U20 from the Talent Development Group (TDG), seven additional players have been recruited to the TDG.

The seven players are: Scarlett Fielding (Ellesmere Port), Orla McCallion (Percy Park RFC), Lily Culf (Old Brodleians), Sadia Kabeya (Streatham Croydon RFC), Amber Kirwan (Hackney RFC), Abi Kershaw (Oswestry RFC), Georgina Tasker (Mansfield RUFC).

England Women National Academy Squad November 2018
Sasha Acheson (Gloucester-Hartpury), Rowena Burnfield (Richmond FC), Beth Blacklock (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Amelia Buckland Hurry (Bristol Bears), Lauren Cattell (Saracens), Bryony Cleall (Saracens), Elizabeth Crake (Wasps FC Ladies), Megan Davey (Firwood Waterloo Ladies), Chloe Edwards (Harlequins), Rosie Galligan (Saracens), Ellie Green (Harlequins), Detysha Harper (Firwood Waterloo), Katherine Hobson (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Olivia Jones (Loughborough Lightning), Rachel Laqeretabua (Richmond FC), Poppy Leitch (Bristol Bears), Clara Nielson (Bristol Bears), Becky Noon (Loughborough Lightning), Charlotte Pearce (Loughborough Lightning), Ellie Underwood (Gloucester-Hartpury), Hannah West (Wasps FC Ladies), Millie Wood (Gloucester-Hartpury), Ella Wyrwas (Loughborough Lightning)

England Women U20 Squad 2018/19 season
Iona Antwis (Gloucester-Hartpury), Teya Ashworth (Harlequins RFC/Aylesford), Shauna Bennett (Gloucester-Hartpury), Cara Brincat (Worcester Valkyries), Charlie Budge (Bristol Bears), Tabitha Copson (Gloucester-Hartpury), Carys Cox (Worcester Valkyries), Hollie Cunningham (Bristol Bears), Megan Davey (Loughborough Lightning), Merryn Doidge (Bristol Bears), Bryony Field (Loughborough Lightning), Akina Gondwe (Worcester Valkyries), Ellie Green (Harlequins), Amelia Harper (Loughborough Lightning), Detysha Harper (Firwood Waterloo), Ebony Jefferies (Bristol Bears), Florence Long (Bristol Bears), Jodie Mallard (Loughborough Lightning), Phoebe Murray (Bristol Bears), Laura Perrin (Firwood Waterloo), Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury), Ellen Ramsbottom (Loughborough Lightning), Anya Richmond (Loughborough Lightning), Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury), Lucie Skuse (Bristol Bears), Jessica Thomas (Bristol Bears), Megan Varley (Worcester Valkyries), Louisa Ward (Harlequins), Beth Wilcock (Trojans), Ella Wyrwas (Loughborough Lightning)

England Women National Academy fixtures
V USA Women’s Selects
Tuesday 13 November, KO 7.30pm
Newbury RFC

V Canada Women A
Wednesday 21 November, KO 7.30pm
Cobham RFC

Courtesy of the RFU

Ella McCaughan and Ella Wadey form the 2018 intake for the Girls’ Academy, whilst Amie Anderson, Elise Jorgensen, Freya Kemp, Cassidy McCarthy, Coco Streets and Hollie Young make up the EPP.

Ella McCaughan is a 15-year-old student at Seaford Head School who has already represented the Sussex Under-17s and Women’s sides. A product of Ansty CC, the right-handed opening batsman and leg-spin bowler scored 334 runs for the Under-15s last season, with a top score of 91 not out.

Ella Wadey made her debut for the Sussex Women in 2017 after impressing with her performances in the Under-17s. A top-order right-handed batsman who also plays at Ansty CC, Ella’s top score last season was an unbeaten 66. The 16-year-old Worthing College pupil is also a right-arm medium-fast bowler.

Fourteen-year old, Amie Anderson is included in the EPP thanks to her left-arm fast bowling and right-handed middle order batting. The Bexhill High Academy student is another to play above her age group, with a number of appearances for the Under-17s under her belt. Her best bowling figures in 2017 were 2-9. Amie plays club cricket for both Bexhill CC and Hastings & St Leonards Priory CC.

Elise Jorgensen is a 15-year-old off-spinner from Rye CC who bats right-handed and will represent the Sussex Under-17s in 2018. The Homewood School pupil bagged 14 wickets for the Under-15s in 2017 and took her best figures of 3/4 whilst playing for the Under-17s.

All-rounder, Freya Kemp is the youngest member of the EPP at 12 years old. Despite her age, Freya will play for the Under-15s in 2018 after impressing with both bat and ball. A left-arm opening bowler and let-handed top order bat, the Cumnor House School pupil made a 62-ball hundred – her first -for the Under-12s last season. She plays her club cricket at Fletching CC.

Cassidy McCarthy made her debut for Sussex Women in 2017 as a 15-year-old. A right-handed batsman and fast bowler, the Bells Yew Green CC player took 3-8 – her best figures of last season – whilst opening the bowling for the Under-17s. The St. Gregory’s School pupil is also a handy middle-order batsman.

Right-arm medium pacer and right-handed top-order batsman, Coco Streets made an unbeaten 83 for the Under-15s in 2017. Next season, the 15-year-old from Sevenoaks School will be part of the Under-17s squad, whilst playing her club cricket for Tunbridge Wells CC.

The second off-spinner and the third Ansty CC player in the EPP is 14-year-old all-rounder Hollie Young. Although an Under-15 by age, Hollie plays for the Sussex Under-17s. The St Richard’s Catholic College student recorded best figures of 4-14 last season, as well as impressing as a right-handed top order batsman.

Thanks to Sussex Cricket’s partnership with the Aldridge Cricket Academy (ACA), both the girls’ Academy and EPP programmes are based at the Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre, a state-of-the-art facility at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy.

The 2018 intake will enjoy training sessions at the Centre every weekday evening over the winter and access to Sussex Cricket’s coaching staff.

Sussex Cricket Girls’ Academy and EPP Head Coach, Jason Swift, offered the following appraisal of this year’s intake: “This is a very talented group of girls, all of whom have the potential to become key players for Sussex Women and – with the requisite application – for England as well.

“It’s excellent to see a well-balanced mix of batters and bowlers, many of whom are excellent all-round cricketers.

“We are extremely fortunate to have the Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre as the hub for Academy and EPP activities. This truly is a world-class facility, the type of which very few other counties can offer their girls.

“Having a central hub from which to run the programmes allows us to maintain frequent contact with the group, monitor player development closely, instill the values expected from Sussex cricketers and foster a genuine sense of team spirit.

“We have a busy winter planned that should mean all the girls start next season as significantly improved players.

Alexia Walker, Director of Cricket at ACA, added: “The funding from the Aldridge Foundation to run this programme is allowing the most talented girls in the county to experience a highly professional academy programme.

“We’re really proud here at Aldridge to be the main partner of this relationship and we’re so happy that we can provide this facility for the girls, so that they can train to be the best that they can be”.

Report courtesy of Sussex Cricket

Kate Cross (Photo: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

Lancashire seamer, Kate Cross, is included in the 15-strong touring party, which will play six 50-over matches and two Twenty20 fixtures, with the action getting underway against the Shooting Stars on Sunday 27^th March at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo.  Cross will be joined by three county team-mates: 16-year-old left arm spinner, Sophie Ecclestone, 17-year-old wicket-keeper, Ellie Threlkeld, and 18-year-old batting all-rounder, Emma Lamb.

The three week tour will be overseen by ECB’s Women’s and Girls’ High Performance Manager, Jonathan Finch, with support from former England and Sussex bowler, James Kirtley, and former Leicestershire batsman and current England Development Programme coach, Tim Boon, as assistant coaches.

Speaking about the tour, England Women’s Head Coach, Mark Robinson, said:

“The volume and standard of international women’s cricket has stepped up a gear over the last 18 months, and it is therefore really important that we expose as many players as possible to overseas conditions and pressurised match situations, so that we are developing a pool of players ready to pull on an England shirt.

“For this England Women’s Academy tour we have selected a squad which includes a couple of more experienced players like Kate Cross and Fran Wilson, alongside some high potential younger players like Sophia Dunkley and Sophie Ecclestone.  The seven tour matches will provide a good challenge for all of them to test their skills and aim to impress ahead of the start of the domestic summer.

“I am also delighted that we have been able to add James Kirtley and Tim Boon as assistant coaches for this tour.  Both have a huge amount of playing and coaching experience, and I am certain that their input will be valuable to all of the players.”

England Women’s Academy squad for tour to Sri Lanka:

Itinerary

Report courtesy of the ECB

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

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

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced a 13-player England Women’s Academy (EWA) squad to play a one-off 50-over match against Australia women on Sunday 19^th July, at Taunton Vale.

Kent’s Tammy Beaumont will captain a strong EWA side, which includes three other centrally contracted England women’s players alongside Beaumont: off-spinner Danielle Hazell (Yorkshire), all-rounder Danielle Wyatt (Nottinghamshire) and left-arm seamer Natasha Farrant (Kent).

Also selected is sixteen-year-old left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone from Cheshire, who has been called-up from the England Women’s Development Programme Under-19 squad, after impressing during the recent England women’s performance squad matches and the pre-season batting and spin camp in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the squad, England Women’s Academy Head Coach, Lisa Keightley said:

“For over half of the players in this England Women’s Academy squad to already have full international experience illustrates the strength currently running through the England women’s performance programme.”

“The 50-over match against the Australians represents a great opportunity for all of the players to test themselves against the current ICC Women’s World Cup and World Twenty20 champions, and in particular for the younger players like Sophie Ecclestone, it represents the ideal chance to benchmark themselves against some of the best players in the world.”

Following the one-day match on 19^th July, the England Women’s Academy will take on the Australians in a two-day game from 1^st-2^nd August at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough.  The EWA squad for this fixture will be announced following the conclusion of the three Royal London Women’s Ashes One-Day Internationals on 21^st (Taunton), 23^rd (Bristol) and 26^th (Worcester) July.

England Women’s Academy squad to play Australia women in full:

⁺Fully contracted England women’s player

*Has made full international debut (Test / ODI / T20I)

Report courtesy of ECB – photo above of Sophie Luff