The team saw a number of players step up from the 2nd XV victory against Plymouth Albion Ladies last week, but ultimately a full strength Premiership Wasps side was too much of a stretch.

There were some great phases of play across the pitch, with both tries coming from a some well worked interplay between the backs. The first try saw fullback Sydney Gregson storm down the left wing, passing to Tilly Vaughan Fowler (sponsored by Macron Bristol) who dotted the ball down over the line.

The second try came as substitute Centre Rownita Marston showed her strength to battle down the middle of the Wasps defensive line, backed by winger Maeve Liston who scored for the second game in a row for Bristol.

Wasps ran out a strong team who battled across the Bristol line on a few occasions, with the Bristol defense not able to hold them out one too many times. An intercept try and a break away from a driving maul saw the other two scores for the away side.

The loss means Bristol are into the Senior Cup Plate semi-finals, with matches and dates to be confirmed in due course.

Report courtesy of Bristol Ladies Media Manager, Emma Bacon

Valkyries led at the break with Rachel Lund scoring an impressive first-half hat-trick followed by scores from Samantha Bree, Bianca Blackburn and Zoe Bennion to set up a 38-0 scoreline at the break.

In an open second period, Wasps scored three tries courtesy of Abigail Dow, Hannah Edwards and Sarah Mitchelson but late scores from Lisa Campbell, Lydia Thompson, Ceri Large and a second score from Bree, sealed an emphatic victory for Worcester.

Valkyries began brightly with an early score from Bree who touched down in the corner and Large added the extras from a tight angle.

Lark Davies (Photo: AJB Photographic)

Wasps were unable to deal with the bombardment of Valkyries attacks with Lund scoring a second within ten minutes of kick-off. The full-back found space in the defence to ease her way through under the posts and Large added the following conversion.

In a dominant opening period, Worcester added their third of the game as Blackburn finished off a neat move in the corner after receiving the ball from Alexia Mavroudis who found space out wide.

Dominating possession and territory, Lund added her second of the game after taking the high ball and wriggling through challenges to score.

Wasps began to grow into the game but were pinned back by continuous mistakes which ultimately led to another Worcester try as Bennion crashed over after Worcester shipped the ball wide and Large added the extras.

Laura Keates and Rochelle Clark (Photo: AJB Photographic)

Lund made it a first-half hat-trick just before the interval with an unstoppable run and Large converted again.

Wasps looked depleted at the break with the scoreline reading 38-0 to Worcester.

However, it took 30 seconds for the visitors to score after the break as Dow received the ball from a quick turnover and made no mistake in touching down in the corner, with Edwards adding the extra points.

Wasps then had a player advantage to help their surge as Lyndsay O’Donnell was the unfortunate recipient of a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, when it appeared to be a fellow Valkyries player.

But it was 14-man Worcester who scored as Campbell dived over after a dominant five-metre scrum.

Wasps did score in O’Donnell’s absence as Edwards scored after some good build-up play and the visitors looked dangerous on the counter with Mitchelson peeling off the back of a driving maul to go over and Edwards added the extras.

However, Valkyries put the nail in the coffin with three tries in the last ten minutes, with Thompson racing clear to add the first following good work from Large and Bree.

Large then scored a sensational try running in from halfway and Bree converted.

And Worcester rounded off a fantastic afternoon when Bree dotted down after receiving a ball out wide from Thompson.

Worcester Valkyries 60-19 Wasps Ladies

Valkyries travel to Lichfield Ladies next Saturday in a must-win clash if they are to book a play-off spot in the Women’s Premiership (kick-off 5.30pm).

Timeline
03m | Bree try 5-0
03m | Large con 7-0
07m | Lund try 12-0
07m | Large con 14-0
13m | Blackburn try 19-0
21m | Lund try 24-0
30m | Bennion try 29-0
31m | Large con 31-0
39m | Lund try 36-0
40m | Large con 38-0
41m | Dow try 38-5
41m | Edwards con 38-7
64m | Campbell try 43-7
67m | Edwards try 43-12
70m | Mitchelson try 43-17
71m | Edwards con 43-19
73m | Thompson try 48-19
76m | Large try 53-19
76m | Bree con 55-19
78m | Bree try 60-19

Valkyries | 1 Rochelle Clark, 2 Lark Davies, 3 Laura Keates (Balmer 54), Stacey Hiscox, 5 Courtney Gill, 6 Helena Bunce (Davey 62), 7 Lyndsay O’Donnell, 8 Lisa Campbell (c), 9 Bianca Blackburn (Thompson 62), 10 Megan Goddrd, 11 Sam Bree, 12 Ceri Large, 13 Zoe Bennion (Parker 45), 14 Alexia Mavroudis (Cowell 57), 15 Rachel Lund

Replacements | 16 Paula Robinson, 17 Tracey Balmer, 18 Rosie Haigh, 19 Sarah Davey, 20 Lydia Thompson, 21 Rhi Parker, 22 Heather Cowell

Report by Tom Branston for Worcester Valkyries

Wasps got off to a flying start when Tina Veale scored a try just a minute into the game after a great break from Hannah West with the conversion from Hannah Edwards putting Wasps up 7-0.

This early score jolted Richmond into action and they earned several penalties inside opposition territory but were unable to convert them into points. Abi Chamberlain pushed a kick at goal wide and when Richmond opted for the driving maul, the visitors repeatedly stopped it illegally. It was then Wasps turn to apply some pressure at the other end but a fine break by Oli Davies relieved the pressure and kept Richmond within striking distance.

The home team would make the most of this several minutes later with a wonderful flowing try that started with breaks by Oli Davies and Kay Wilson and was finished moments later when the ball was shipped wide brilliantly where Alicia McComish showed off great speed and strength to score in the corner and reduce the deficit to two.

Wasps responded well, launching an attack into Richmond territory and earning a penalty on the back of a dominant scrum. The subsequent kick at goal faded wide though, and a strong run by Alex Matthews with the Richmond backs to the wall ensured we got to half time at 5-7.

Richmond started the second half brightly, winning a penalty in the opposition half and then utilising an effective driving maul to get to the Wasps five metre line. The away side put in some big tackles as part of an impressive goal-line defence, but unable to escape their half the pressure eventually told. Having earned a scrum inside the Wasps 22, number eight Alex Matthews picked from the base and crashed through several tackles to score an impressive solo try.

At 10-7 with half an hour left to play it was clear we were in for a thrilling finish and it was Wasps that took the initiative, going through the phases to get into Richmond territory. A great break by the impressive Hannah West appeared to have the try-line beckoning but Oli Davies pulled off a brilliant try-saving tackle to keep Richmond ahead.

Wasps kept the pressure on and after several Richmond infringements the home side was reduced to 14 men with a yellow card issued to Rebecca Ball just before the hour mark. The resulting kick was knocked through the sticks to tie the game up at 10 apiece and swing the momentum in Wasps favour.

With the weather deteriorating, both sides showed a willingness to play some fantastic attacking rugby but it was the home team that slowly began to turn the screw in front of a lively crowd. With a siege launched on the Wasps line, it was all that the visitors could do to keep them off the board but two yellow cards in the space of five minutes saw them reduced to just 13 men as Richmond returned to a full complement of players.

The line-out had been working wonderfully all day for the home side and it was fittingly another driving maul off the back of the set piece that saw Richmond break the deadlock, as the pack forced their way over the line and hooker Emma Croker touched down to make it 15-10.

With 10 minutes still to play there was plenty of time for Wasps to force themselves back into it and they put some serious pressure on the Richmond defense. Liz Crake almost went in for a game-tying score but another crucial tackle by Oli Davies kept her out and gave the home team a chance to clear their lines.

With time ticking down and Wasps returning to 15 women we had a grandstand finish in store but the Richmond defense were tireless as they put in tackle after tackle to protect the slender lead. A last minute set piece in the Richmond half gave Wasps a chance but the home team executed a perfect choke tackle to turn the ball over and secure a crucial victory.

Richmond walked away with the spoils and their first victory of the season and will next face the Aylesford Bulls Ladies on the 17^th of October. Final score Richmond 15 Wasps 10.

Richmond 15 (5)

Tries: McComish, Matthews, McCarthy

Wasps 10 (7)

Try: Veale

Con: Edwards

Penalty: Edwards

Report courtesy of Richmond 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

Bristol piled on the pressure from the start, even looking to score with the first play of the ball, however errors in accuracy led to a high penalty count across the first 20 minutes for Bristol, and Wasps scored the first points of the day, with kicker Edwards slotting a penalty on fourteen minutes.

It took fifteen minutes for the next points of the game to be scored – as Amber Reed (sponsored by Colston’s School) scored a return penalty to level the score to 3 – 3.

The first and only try of the half came through former Wasp, Marlie Packer, who showed persistence and determination to find a gap in the Wasps defence and cross under the posts. Amber Reed duly converted. (3 – 10)

The key messages at half time focussed around improving the accuracy of play and increasing the line speed – both of which showed in the second half.

A well-executed line out and led to a brilliant 20 metre drive by the forwards, sending Marlie Packer (sponsored by Jones Building Group) over for her second of the game. Minutes later, Izzy Noel Smith who looked threatening all game showed her strength a powered over, taking the score to 3 – 22.

Cat McNaney was the next to score, scooping the ball up and running it around the back of the Wasps defence, a great performance on her Premiership debut. Poppy Leitch (sponsored by Floodlights UK) followed in her footsteps shortly after adding her name to the tally.

Carrie Roberts thought she has also gone over 10 minutes from the end but the ref blew up for crossing, however, she showed her composure as five minutes later she dashed through for the final score of the game, ending the score on 3 – 39.

Head Coach Roy Davies spoke to us afterwards:  “A bonus point win is a great way to start the season. The first 20 minutes looked very much like the first 20 minutes of the new season with a lot of inaccurate play, however, we soon raised our standards to the level we would expect from ourselves.

“I was really pleased with the way we adapted our game to the conditions and were able to put great pressure on a hardworking, aggressive Wasps team. We had a strong squad tonight which was vital as our players came off the bench and made an impact and contributed fully to what was an excellent performance for this stage of the season.”

Final Score: Wasps Ladies 3 – 39 Bristol Ladies

Bristol forward of the game: Sasha Acheson

Bristol back of the game: Amber Reed

Scores Schedule:

Team Sheet:

1. Abbie Parsons (65 mins)
2. Clara Nielson (50 mins)
3. Sasha Acheson (50 mins)
4. Amelia Buckland Hurry
5. Poppy Cleall
6. Marlie Packer (65 mins)
7. Claire Molloy
8. Izzy Noel Smith
9. Sian Moore
10. Elinor Snowsill (65mins)
11. Carrie Roberts
12. Amber Reed ©
13. Lottie Holland
14. Cat McNaney (65 mins)
15. Sydney Gregon

16. Carys Phillips (for Nielson)
17. Sarah Bern (for Acheson)
18. Jeanine Stephenson (for Parsons)
19. Poppy Leitch (for Packer)
20. Becki Belcher (for McNaney)
21. Hannah Gascoigne (for Snowsill)

Pictured above: Elinor Snowsill

Report courtesy of Bristol Ladies Press Office

Both sides started well and both had early scoring chances, but the tricky conditions meant that neither side were able to convert their opportunities. It was Lichfield who eventually opened the scoring after 10 minutes following a break by Sarah Nicholas and then a quickly taken penalty from Carys Williams, who was able to muscle her way over the line for the first try. After 20 minutes, following a superb passing move, winger Carys Hall received the ball 40 metres out and used her searing pace to touch down under the posts, with a successful Sarah Nicholas conversion giving Lichfield a 12-0 lead.

After 30 minutes Wasps got their first score to bring the score back to 12-5. Just before half time, the outstanding Amy Cokayne added a superb solo try, when, after picking up a loose ball she danced past three defenders showing some great footwork and touched down in the corner.

In the second half, Lichfield made a number of changes and got better and better as the game went on, adding six tries to their total. Captain Tash Jones added the first after 47 minutes which set the tempo for Lichfield who then ran riot with five further tries from Ros Jermine (62 mins), Holly Aitchison (68 mins), Charlotte Pearce (71 mins), Amy Cokayne (73 mins) and following a superb team move and some outstanding passing a final try from Lucy Nye after 79 minutes.

One try from Wasps and two conversions from Sarah Nicholas brought the final score to 51-10 to Lichfield.

Commenting on the match, Lichfield’s Coach Ian Cokayne said “We were delighted with our well-deserved victory today. Wasps made it very difficult for us in the first half, but the whole team maintained their composure, stuck to the game plan and delivered an excellent bonus point win with some really clinical finishing.

In the second half we made a few tactical and strategic changes, particularly in defence, which really made a difference. That gave us more possession and territory and we really turned on the style with five tries in the last 20 minutes.

This performance gives us great confidence going into the final games of the season.”

Wasps Ladies 10 Lichfield Ladies 51

Lichfield Scorers

Tries:-  Carys Williams (10 mins), Carys Hall (20 mins), Amy Cokayne (38, 73 mins), Tash Jones (47 mins), Ros Jermine (62 mins), Holly Aitchison (68 mins), Charlotte Pearce (71 mins),  Lucy Nye (79 mins)

Conversions:- Sarah Nicholas x3

Wasps Scorers:

Tries: Rebecca Rowe, Rebecca Ball

Report courtesy of Lichfield Ladies