The appeal process did not consider whether or not the original decision, was correct indeed how could it be correct?

I am far from an expert on rugby or organising rugby leagues, but in doing away with one system and creating another ‘improved’ one you would think that at least the top teams would be included and specifically those with a proven pathway and who have consistently supplied the England team (and the other home nations) with high quality players.

After the original announcement I saw an interview with Nigel Melville, RFU Director of Professional Rugby, in which he brushed aside questions about the exclusion of Lichfield with a ‘people are bound to be disappointed’. I wondered if he had any idea at all of the contribution made by this club (or women’s rugby at all) and his attitude made me very angry indeed.

It is typical, it seems to me, of events around women’s sport and the fact that when the sporting authorities sweep in and make changes such as this, those concerned are just supposed to be grateful for the attention and interest. Let’s forget about lives and careers being affected by this.

Melville went on to confirm that of course to be considered for England players would have to play for one of the Super Rugby teams, meaning that all of Lichfield’s internationals have to find other teams.  I can’t help wonder what the RFU would do if Lichfield’s players refused to move club, would they really not pick: Emily Scarratt, Harriet Millar-Mills, (both of whom have been nominated for England player of the year), Amy Cokayne, Natasha Hunt and Justine Lucas? I find it very hard to believe.

No relegation or promotion for two years leaves Lichfield playing in the Championship with their second team.

I do not understand why the Super Rugby League cannot comprise twelve teams and include Thurrock and Lichfield, that would be a fair result to this matter and would save a lot of heartache for all the players caught up in the middle of this drama.  After all the Super Rugby League is supposed to be a good thing, an improvement and not the cause of a whole lot of anguish!

Apologies but I can’t help but link to an article from the England Rugby website about Lichfield – you would think from reading it that Lichfield had everything required!

I have just discovered that the players and coaches found out via social media about this travesty – very poor discourteous and symbolic of the lack of respect shown to women’s sport.

Finally, here is the release from the RFU about the appeal:

An Independent Panel has concluded its review of appeals made by Thurrock RFC and Lichfield RFC against the RFU’s decision not to award the clubs a place in the new women’s domestic competition.

The three-person independent panel of Philip Evans QC (chair), Dr Julian Morris and Michael Short concluded both appeals were unsuccessful.

The RFU appointed the original interview panel to make that decision and that panel brought a range of relevant expertise to the decision-making process.

The sole purpose of the appeals was to decide whether an appellant has satisfied the independent panel that the process set out in the Request for Proposals (RFP) had not been followed in their case.

The independent panel noted the it was not the purpose of the appeals to assess whether the ultimate decision taken by the RFU was the correct one.

In regards to Thurrock RFC, the independent panel found nothing to suggest that the club were treated unfairly or differently to any other applicant. The very nature of the process is competitive and  meant the applicants were to persuade the RFU that they met or would meet the minimum standards and that they were one of the most suitable teams to form the new league. Thurrock did not persuade the interview panel and the independent panel found no reason to say that Thurrock was treated in a manner that could be described as outside of the process.

In regards to Lichfield RFC’s appeal, the independent panel concluded that the RFU’s decision was one that was reasonably open for them to take based on the facts, and did not fall outside the process as described by the RFP. They were not persuaded in any way that the process had not been followed or that there has been any unfairness to the club.

Harriet Millar-Mills (Photo: Inpho)

Last time out hooker Amy Cokayne scored a hat-trick against Scotland, a feat that was slightly over-shadowed by team-mate Kay Wilson’s seven tries.  Supremely talented centre Emily Scarratt will be looking to dust off her kicking boots after an uncharacteristically bad day at the office against Scotland, however her overall game, distribution of the ball not to mention her try would always make her one of the first names on the team sheet – for me anyway.

With prop Justine Lucas and Harriet Millar-Mills as Lock linking up with Cokayne in the scrum the team-mates help to make England’s scrum and rolling maul an incredible weapon and a sight to behold.

Together these four boast 149 caps and one can see many more in their future.  England women’s final game against Ireland in this 6 Nations is a ‘winner takes all situation’ with the Grand Slam up for grabs for both teams.

England’s Lichfield Women

13 Emily Scarratt ( 65 caps)

2 Amy Cokayne (24 caps)

3 Justine Lucas (18 caps)

5 Harriet Millar-Mills (42 caps)

Meanwhile Scotland women will be hoping to finish their campaign on a high when they take on Italy at 6.30 tonight at Cumbernauld. Scotland were so close to victory against Ireland and suffered heavy losses to both France and England but their win against Wales shows some reward for their hard work.

On the bench for Scotland are three Lichfield Ladies:

16 Rachel Malcolm (3 caps)

19 Sarah Bonar (6 caps)

21 Jenny Maxwell (14 caps)

Lichfield will also be represented by lock Molly Morrissey when the England U20s women take on France at the Stade Guy Boniface tomorrow evening.

This is the third of three matches for the U20s:

England 38 – 15 Army Women

Thursday 16 February, Aldershot Army Rugby Stadium

England 7 – 17 France

Saturday 25 February, Esher RFC

France v England: Friday 17 March, KO 7pm, Stade Guy Boniface, Mont-de-Marsan

Holly Aitchison (Photo: England Rugby)

Whilst not in action this weekend Lichfield also have three players involved in the Women’s 7s Series: Holly Aitchison, Milly Wood  and Lucy Nye.  The Series this time round has six venues for the women’s tour and these players will hope to be involved when they moved to round four when for the first time the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series takes place in Japan, the HSBC Kitakyushu Sevens on 22-23 April.

Of course there is now a downside to all this success because Lichfield Ladies have been overlooked by the RFU for a place in the new Super Rugby League, despite the possibility of winning the Premiership and producing this succession of awesome internationals, all these players will be forced to leave the club and join a team in the new league, this is a change that will be enforced, they say, by the RFU – can’t help wonder if England would really overlook players like Amy Cokayne and Emily Scarratt .

So whilst Lichfield are on the brink of celebrating great success they are also on the brink of relegation – one can only hope that someone sees sense.

More than 5,000 people have signed a petition to the RFU, asking them to reconsider their decision, if you would like to add your name, you can find it here:

https://www.change.org/p/rfu-rfu-to-review-lichfield-ladies-bid

I should at this point state that these are my own opinions, that I am not an expert on any sport at all simply a fan; this website exists purely to promote women’s sport, and it is completely self-funded.

I can understand the desire to increase the Women’s Premiership from eight to ten teams but to my simple mind, the way to do that would be to include the top teams from both Championship North 1 and Championship South 1.  Firwood Waterloo as Championship North 1 leaders have been included but so have Loughborough who currently sit in 5^th position in the league.  Whilst Championship South 1 league leaders Thurrock have been completely overlooked and Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC who play in the Midlands Championship II are included.  Even more confusing Lichfield Ladies are the only team currently playing in the Premiership to be left out.

RFU say there was a bid process and fourteen teams applied for just ten places in the new league, fair enough.  An article on the RFU website just last October extolling the virtues of Lichfield Ladies, currently just one point behind Bristol Ladies at the top of the Premiership, would have indicated that they would be a shoe in but instead they will be relegated to the Championship after 15 years of playing Premiership Rugby.

To quote  from the RFU piece:

Lichfield are making a huge impression on girls’ rugby from grassroots to elite level, on and off the pitch……..

The club’s player pathway is also thriving, with several players in their first-team squad having appeared in their junior sides.

The Midlands outfit have in their squad one of the world’s best women’s rugby players in World Cup winner and Team GB sevens captain Emily Scarratt.

The 26-year-old moved to Lichfield before the 2007/08 season to play for their senior side and has remained at the club ever since.

Scarratt cannot believe how far Lichfield has come since she joined, and that this season the club has a massive opportunity to win their first Women’s Premiership title.

“It’s massively developed since I first moved, they only had an U18s and a senior team then, now they’ve got seven female teams,” said Scarratt……..

This year Lichfield have contributed eight internationals to the Six Nations including for England: Emily Scarratt (63 caps), Justine Lucas (16 caps), Harriet Millar-Mills (40 caps) Amy Cokayne (22 caps), 21 Natasha Hunt (35 caps) – that’s a third of the team!

It can be neither coincidence or pure luck to have accumulated such talent in the side.

Now these players are all facing a huge dilemma; stay with the Club they love and put their international careers at risk or find another club.

Since there will be no promotion or relegation for two seasons then Lichfield are consigned to the second tier of English rugby for at least 3 seasons, very significant for players wishing to play at the highest level possible.

Such is the outrage at the way in which the heart has been ripped out of this club that a petition has been started on change.org which now has more than 4,000 signatures:

https://www.change.org/p/rfu-rfu-to-review-lichfield-ladies-bid

The RFU has done an enormous amount of work to encourage more girls and women to take up rugby but from an outsider it would almost seem as if the decisions have been taken on the Super Rugby League without actually taking into account the contribution being made of the existing clubs.

Of course there is precedent for this kind of thing as when the FA formed the Women’s Super League Doncaster Belles, with their great history of success in women’s football, were sacrificed for the newly formed Manchester City, is it wrong to expect more from rugby and better behaviour?

It’s tragic that a side that may win the Premiership this season will face relegation and that this summer’s 25 year anniversary for Lichfield may well be a much sadder event than originally planned.

Kudos to Director of Rugby Becky Williams for saying that the club will continue and will strive to keep playing at the highest level, but what a massive kick in the teeth.

Sharks were lifted by their ever faithful supporters, many of whom had rearranged their day to be at the game after a frozen pitch at Mowden Park meant a move to Maiden Castle in Durham.

With the 16^th player firmly behind the home side, Sharks ramped up a gear.  Strong carries from the Rianna Mason and Zoe Aldcroft gave Sharks the momentum they needed to to put Lichfield under pressure and force penalties at the breakdown.  Fly half Katy Mclean kicked Sharks into the corner and a well worked driven lineout saw scrum half Emma Lloyd Edwards steer the maul over the line for the Sharks first score of the game on 37 minutes.

Half time score 5 – 27

Sharks were forced into making more changes to the team as an injured Sam Jamieson was replaced by Alex Webster and Charlotte Lewis was replaced by Rachael Phillips. The second half open much more competitively with both sides getting on the score board within 5 minutes.  Scarratt crossed first for Lichfield followed by Sharks winger Bex Wilson putting the scores at 10-34.

This was to be turning point in the game for Sharks as they launched an immense fight back into the game.  Some dogged defence and pressure at the breakdown saw Sharks with increased possession and attacking opportunities.

The forward pack, led by Tamara Taylor, continued to draw penalties around the break down and eventually Lichfield’s Laura Hind was sin binned for a repeated team infringement.  Katy Mclean wasted no time in taking advantage of the additional space, spotting a gap and cutting through the Lichfield defence to score under the posts and add the conversion. 17 -34 at 75 mins.

The final 5 minutes of the game was Sharks dominated as the team fought hard to get a final score on the board.  Time quickly ran out for the home side and a penalty in the last few seconds saw the home side content to kick the ball out and end the game.

This week’s players of the match were without doubt the Sharks support staff who did everything necessary to ensure that the game went ahead and the Sharks supporters who, as always, brought boundless energy to the occasion. Thank you!

Sharks next home game is on March 26^th v Saracens.  Sharks Annual Wine and Cheese Luncheon will take place alongside the game.  More information coming soon.

Report courtesy of DMP Sharks

The home side scored two first half tries in the first twenty minutes as Bristol failed to make an impact at the start of the game. A driving maul on seven minutes saw the Lichfield forwards, and several of the backs, steam their way over the Bristol line, and five minutes later a gap in the Bristol defensive line saw Lichfield get their second, converted by Emily Scarratt.

Bristol built pressure from this point with attacking phases strongly defended by Lichfield. Chantelle Miell (sponsored by Dambusters Rugby) finally came through for Bristol with a try, running straight through the Lichfield line to dot the ball down over, the conversion went wide.

The second half started well, both teams came out fighting, but Bristol used momentum and secured a penalty try after Lichfield brought down a driving maul – Meg Jones slotted the conversion this time – taking the game to a tie at 12 all.

With 20 minutes to go, Bristol moved to 14 men as Captain Amelia Buckland Hurry was sin binned for a high tackle, and the defence stepped up and kept Lichfield out. Ten minutes from the end, the boot of Emily Scarrett gave Lichfield the lead as she scored a penalty just left of the posts and left Bristol to chase a final score.

A few inaccuracy left Bristol on the back foot, and the final whistle blew giving Lichfield the win, and leaving it one win apiece for the two sides this season. Lichfield move onto 44 points, but the losing bonus point means Bristol are one point ahead at the top of the Women’s Premiership.

Final Score: Lichfield Ladies 15 – 12 Bristol Ladies

Scores Schedule:

Bristol Team Sheet:

1. Abbie Parsons (70 mins)
2. Clara Nielson
3. Sarah Bern (40 mins)
4. Amelia Buckland Hurry ©
5. Kayleigh Armstrong
6. Izzy Noel Smith (60 mins)
7. Poppy Leitch (70 mins)
8. Poppy Cleall
9. Cat McNaney
10. Megan Jones
11. Amy Wilson Hardy
12. Sarah Graham
13. Carrie Roberts (40 mins)
14. Chantelle Miell
15. Sydney Gregson

16. Daisy Travers (for Parsons)
17. Kate Newton (for Noel Smith)
18. Marlie Packer (for Bern)
19. Liv Jones (for Leitch)
20. Sue Nuemann
21. Lucy Attwood
22. Nolli Waterman (for Roberts)

Lichfield Team Sheet:

1. Katie Trevarthen
2. Amy Cokayne (VC)
3. Roz Jermine
4. Sarah Bonar
5. Molly Morrissey
6. Rachel Malcolm
7. Laura Hind
8. Abi Walker
9. Mo Hunt
10. Sarah Nicholas
11. Jenny Maxwell
12. Tash Jones (C)
13. Emily Scarratt
14. Carys Hall
15. Charlotte Pearce
16. Cat Pugh
17. Emily Hughes
18. Kay Searcy
19. Becky Scholes
20.  Rachel Squires
21. Jordan Bixley

Report courtesy of Emma Bacon, Bristol Ladies Media, sponsored by Wring Group

Photo: Andy Baldwin

By Tom Branston

Worcester Valkyries missed out on the chance to make it four successive Women’s Premiership wins as Lichfield Ladies claimed a 34-12 victory at Sixways on Saturday. 

Valkyries led 12-10 at the break courtesy of tries for Alexia Mavroudis and Ceri Large with Rachel Squires and Emily Braund going over for the visitors.

But a clinical second-half from Lichfield saw Amy Cokayne, Natasha Hunt, Holly Aitcheson and Charlotte Pearce cross the whitewash to secure a bonus-point win.

Valkyries began the game on the front foot and scored the opening try within the first four minutes.

Mavroudis benefited from a quickly-recycled ball which was shipped out wide from Rhi Parker and the pacey winger was able to cross in the corner.

Valkyries controlled the opening stages with Zoe Bennion impressing with her physicality and intensity.

But Lichfield replied with a try of their own as Squires dived over to level the scores.

However, two minutes later, Rachel Lund supplied Large as she stretched over the line under the posts with two defenders hanging from her, before stepping up to land the conversion.

Lichfield dominated possession and territory in the latter stages of the half and capitalised with Braund crashing over to bring the visitors within two points.

Worcester led 12-10 at the interval but Lichfield came out of the blocks in the second period and scored almost instantly as Laura Hind found Cokayne to score in the corner.

Hunt then stepped defenders to score under the posts and Aitcheson converted as Lichfield enjoyed a ten-point cushion.

Aitcheson soon added a brilliant solo try after receiving the ball on the Valkyries ten-metre line, as she raced over the whitewash before adding the extras.

Lichfield had time to add a fourth second-half try to finish off the contest as pacey full-back Pearce spotted a gap and charged in to score.

Valkyries never gave up but couldn’t capitalise on chances made as second-placed Lichfield extended the points gap between the two sides in the Women’s Premiership table.

Valkyries are next in action at Waterloo Ladies in the Senior Cup on Sunday 6 November (kick-off 2pm).

Timeline
04m | Mavroudis try 5-0
14m | Squires try 5-5
17m | Large try 10-5
18m | Large con 12-5
39m | Braund try 12-10
41m | Cokayne try 12-15
45m | Hunt try 12-20
45m | Aitcheson con 12-22
57m | Aitcheson try 12-27
58m | Aitcheson con 12-29
74m | Pearce try 12-34

Valkyries | 15 Rhi Parker, 14 Alexia Mavroudis (Cowell 43), 13 Zoe Bennion, 12 Rachel Lund, 11 Sam Bree (S Parker 73), 10 Ceri Large, 9 Bianca Blackburn, 8 Lisa Campbell (C) (Wigley 70), 7 Helena Bunce (Snead 48), 6 Courtney Gill, 5 Stacey Hiscox, 4 Rosie Haigh (Richards 73), 3 Laura Keates (Binks 57), 2 Lark Davies, 1 Rochelle Clark

Replacements | 16 Paula Robinson, 17 Elizabeth Binks, 18 Amy Wigley, 19 Heather Cowell, 20 Chelsea Snead, 21 Sam Parker, 22 Jo Richards

Lichfield started well, and their scrum was impressive throughout the 80 minutes. Around 20 minutes into the game their pressure paid off as they were awarded a penalty try after Bristol failed to keep them at bay, with Natasha Hunt converting.

Bristol came back fighting, and possession swung from one side to another for a period time until the home side capitalised on a quick penalty, spreading the ball wide to Chantelle Miell who got the ball down in the corner. Amber Reed (sponsored by Colston’s School) converted taking the score to 7 – 7, as it remained at half time.

Just before half time Reed was helped off the pitch after going down with an injury, with Jasmine Joyce replacing her.

The second half started well with Claire Molloy flying over the line adding five to the Bristol total. The remainder of the half was seemingly chaotic, with both sides making promising attacks only to be thwarted by unforced errors. Lichfield were awarded a penalty, which Hunt slotted between the posts on 50 minutes, taking the score to 12 – 10.

The last 15 minutes saw a spate of yellow cards, with Millar Mills for Lichfield, and Acheson and Bern being carded all within 7 minutes of each other, leading to a fairly unbalanced period of play with both teams trying to close out the game.

Both teams did cross the line once more – Izzy Noel Smith crossed, making use of the space in the Lichfield defence, and Lichfield powered over from a scrum where Bristol failed to control the play.

Bristol held out for the final two minutes to take the hard fought victory in what wasn’t the prettiest game of rugby, but got the job done.

Bristol forward of the game: Claire Molloy                                   Bristol back of the game: Chantelle Miell

Final Score: Bristol Ladies 19 – 15 Aylesford Bulls

Scores Schedule:

Team Sheet:

1. Abbie Parsons (40 mins) – Empica PR
2. Carys Phillips (55 mins)
3. Sasha Acheson – Empica PR
4. Amelia Buckland Hurry
5. Poppy Cleall
6. Poppy Leitch (40 mins) – Floodlight UK
7. Claire Molloy
8. Izzy Noel Smith
9. Sian Moore
10. Elinor Snowsill – 17 Management
11. Tilly Vaughan Fowler – Marcon Sport
12. Amber Reed (35 mins) – Colston’s School
13. Lottie Holland – Gooch and Housego
14. Chantelle Miell
15. Nolli Waterman

16. Clara Nielson (for Phillips)
17. Sarah Bern – Fifth Consultancy (for Parsons)
18. Kayleigh Armstrong – Maidenhead Aquatics (for Acheson)
19. Marlie Packer – Jones Building Group (for Leitch)
20. Sue Neumann
21. Jasmine Joyce
22. Cat McNaney

With Lichfield keen to preserve their 100% start to the season and Aylesford showing significant improvements since last season, this game was always going to be an exciting encounter. It certainly lived up to its billing with both teams giving 100% in both defence and attack and delivering a great game for the crowd.

The first 10 minutes was very tight, with neither team having many scoring opportunities due to excellent defensive work by both. It was Lichfield who scored first when Amy Cokayne picked up a pass close to the line and was typically unstoppable as she crashed over for the first try. Despite going close Lichfield didn’t score again until the 29^th minute from a Cokayne penalty right in front of the posts giving them an 8-0 lead.

After having defended superbly, Aylesford then picked up an intercepted pass on 33 minutes with right wing Jess Wooden racing 75m to touch down under the posts, the conversion was quickly followed by an Aylesford penalty giving them a 10-8 lead. That really stung Lichfield into action and they began to stretch the Aylesford defence as they increased the pace of the game. Pacy full back Charlotte Pearce scored on 37 minutes and the outstanding Lichfield No.8 Harriet Millar Mills broke through just on half time to ensure Lichfield had the lead at 18-10.

In the second half Lichfield kept the pace and the intensity high and scored immediately after half time when inside centre Hannah Phillip touched down on 41 minutes. It was Lichfield’s outstanding pack who delivered the next score after 58 minutes when a driving maul controlled by loose head prop Katie Trevarthen drove Aylesford backwards over their own line from 25m out for her touch down, giving Lichfield a 28-10 lead. But the best Lichfield score of the day was saved to last, when after 65 minutes a free flowing move saw Lichfield take the ball almost the whole length of the pitch, with the final offload enabling Becky Noon to touch down in the corner.

To their credit, Aylesford never stopped working and had Lichfield on the defensive for most of the last 15 minutes, but because of great defence by Lichfield were only able to cross the line once more through outside centre Chantelle Miller on 71 minutes, leaving the final score at 33-15 to Lichfield.

Lichfield head coach Richard Bennett said  “It was very fitting that in a week when we have been celebrating Women in Sport, we should see such a great game between two very good sides. We knew that Aylesford now have a very good team who are extremely well coached and would test us to the limit. I was particularly pleased with our defensive structure, when they attacked, we managed to defend well and keep them out. I was also delighted with our teamwork, efficiency and decision making in attack, we scored six tries from six different players for another bonus point and every one of the match squad played their part in the victory. We are really looking forward to the Bristol game next week.”

Lichfield Ladies 33 Aylesford Bulls Ladies 15

Lichfield Scorers:

Tries :-  Amy Cokayne(10 mins), Charlotte Pearce (52 mins), Harriet Millar Mills (40 mins), Hannah Phillip (41 mins), Katie Trevarthen (58 mins), Becky Noon (65 mins)

Penalty :- Amy Cokayne

In fact its been an amazing weekend for Lichfield Ladies, not only their first team winning against the Bulls, they had the first outing for their Vets team, with the support of Cannock and Wolverhampton.

Their green team who have just entered the championship, have worked up to 2nd place in the league with a 32-24 over Eccles.

Report courtesy of Lichfield Ladies

This is a brief itinerary:

Sunday 2^nd October (1pm – 3:30pm) Junior Pitch up and Play. This event is aimed at 11 (Yr7) to 18 year olds, who are new to rugby and eager to give it a go.

Tuesday 4^th October (7:15 – 9pm) Senior Open invite. Aimed and females 18 and over that would like to come and see what Rugby is all about. This is an open invite to all players of every level, if you have never picked up a ball before or if you are interested to see what Premiership Training sessions look like, everyone is welcome.

Thursday 6^th October (6:20 – 8pm) Junior training. This event is aimed at 11 (Yr7) to 18 year olds, who are new to rugby and eager to give it a go. This is an open training session for all.

Friday 7^th October 7pm Onwards – Vets/ Casual Friday night fun. This is aimed at anyone that has not actively played in the last two years or who is over 35. This is an open invite to anyone that would like a get back involved and play the game. The Bar will then be open to celebrate being back on the pitch.

Saturday 8^th October 5pm KO – Lichfield v Aylesford Premiership Fixture. This is an opportunity for everyone to come and watch a premiership game. Players& Supporters of all ages are welcome down to support the Ladies section, who Kick off after the 1^st team Men.

Courtesy of Lichfield Ladies

Lichfield Ladies 33 Wasps Ladies 26

Lichfield Ladies 2^nd Team 44 – Camp Hill Ladies 0, Champ 1 North

Lichfield Ladies U18 19 – Ashfield 7, U18 National Cup

In round 3 of the 2016/17 Women’s Premiership games, Lichfield travelled to Wasps with aspirations of making it 3 from 3 and they continued their outstanding start to the new season with a hard fought victory.

An impressive start from Lichfield put them on the front foot, they came out fighting and capped an outstanding start to the game by securing 14 points in the first 4 minutes of the game. Charlotte Murray & Carys Hall getting a try apiece with Amy Cokayne converting both.

Lichfield were eager to maintain this momentum and 14 minutes in Hannah Phillip was able to secure a team try from a driving maul, converted by Amy Cokayne.

For the remainder of the first half Wasps stepped up and displayed outstanding defence to keep Lichfield away from the try line.

This was most definitely a game of two halves and Wasps half time talk had done the trick. 4 minutes into the 2^nd half Wasps were in, Rebecca Row scored and Hannah Edwards converted. And Wasps were not done yet, 7 minutes into the second half Ashley Perry scored with another conversion from Hannah Edwards.

Lichfield was not expecting such an aggressive attack from Wasps, they displayed great composure to address the all firing Wasps and stepped up a gear but in the end were let down by their discipline and a yellow card was all Wasps needed to make some ground.

As soon as Lichfield were back to 15 players on the pitch, they regrouped and fought out of their own 22 for Harriet Miller Mills to create a great break away try. This was converted by Amy Cokayne.

Soon after Lichfield hit again, working the ball to the outside and Carys Williams was over in the corner for the last try for Lichfield .

At the 60 minute mark the game looked like it was all over, Lichfield up 33-14 with a Bonus point in the Bag.

Wasps were not satisfied with this and they regrouped, upped their intensity and hit back at Lichfield with all that they had. Lichfield displayed 10 solid minutes of defence showing some outstanding tackles and superb defensive alignment to keep Wasps out.

Wasps worked the ball around Lichfield for a 70^th minute converted try.

Lichfield then maintained possession till the last play of the game, where Wasps worked the ball round Lichfield again to secure a try on the 80^th minute in the corner. Wasps were unable to convert and the game finished with a 33-26 victory to Lichfield.

Lichfield Captain Justine Lucas commented: “Today felt like a loss to us all, we were disappointed in how we played as a team. This shows how much all of us care and that we have set ourselves high expectations of how we want to play.

“Wasps defence gave a new challenge that we did not problem solve quick enough, and we were under pressure a lot. We did keep playing and came away with the bonus point win, but we have lots to work on before our next game against Aylesford. This was a game we can learn a lot from and this will help us with our progression over the next two weeks”

Becky Williams Director of Rugby commented: “These are the games that we learn the most from, it was a hard game for all the girls. Yes we got the bonus point win and I am very proud of all of the girls for what they delivered on the park today.

“Our players showed guts and determination to win a game like this, which in previous years we would have lost. What we are delivering on the pitch so far this season is outstanding, the coaches are doing great work with all our players. This is just another learning curve for us all, a regrouping point so that we can continue to develop and improve for the 4^th round.”

Becky Williams went on to say: “Lichfield Ladies had over 60 females playing in very competitive games today and we have come away with three wins. Our U18 girls had their first round of the National Cup and secured a great win over Ashfield. Our green team, who are newly promoted into Championship North have secured their 2^nd win of the season. We are also very proud of Milly Wood and Lucy Nye, who were away playing for England in the Malemort 7’s.

“The coaches have some tough selection decisions to make over the next couple of weeks. We have last year’s juniors who are already making a mark in the senior game and are eager to pull on a premiership shirt. We are also pleased to welcome back to training Emily Scarratt and Natasha Hunt, who have been rested following the Olympic Games.”

Lichfield Scorers:

Tries:-  Charlotte Murray (1), Carys Hall (3), Hannah Phillip (11), Harriet Miller Mills (50) Carys Williams (60)

Conversion :- Amy Cokayne x 5

Report courtesy of Lichfield Ladies