Wasps had a slow start to the game but soon found their flow in the later stages going onto score six tries and securing 40 points; Worcester leaving with just 3 from an early penalty. Muir, Crake, Dow, Quansah and Mitchelson all found themselves crossing the whitewash with Jones supplying the extras.

Worcester put the first points on the board with an early penalty in Wasps 22m. Wasps had a good shift in defence during the opening minutes of the game whilst Worcester fought for territory. Testament to the hard graft the team have put in with defense coach, Ollie Bishop, Wasps came through on top- denying the opposition of a try.

The first try came in the 25th minute after a Wasps 5 line out. From a driving maul, the team shifted the ball out to Muir who carried it over the line to put Wasps out in front.

Soon to follow was the turn of fellow prop, Crake, who made her way through Worcester’s defence after a chaotic phase in play, finding the line to the left of the posts.

Wasps went into the break 11 points ahead of the opposition and fuelled by their lead, score in the first minute of play. With the irish duo of Molloy and Moloney behind here, Muir crossed the line for her second of the game.

Jones’ boot shouldn’t go unmentioned- converting 5 from 6 tries in today’s match. The fourth a notable display of skill, making the posts from teammate and partner Quansah’s try out on the far corner.

Wasps found themselves back defending their try line after a series of penalties against them gave Worcester an opportunity to score from a 5m line out. But despite the upfront effort from the opposition- Wasps game through to take play back into their own hands.

Dow found herself with an easy run away in the 60th minute. After receiving the ball in the backfield from a Worcester kick, the Wasps fullback headed straight through the Worcester defence and straight through to the try line. Fisher was on her tail, but couldn’t match the speed of Dow.

Mitchelson put the final points on the board for the day after dancing her way through Worcester’s defense from 10m out in the final 3minutes of play.

No. 13, Wilson Hardy, shared her joy to be back on the field today after the longer than anticipated break:

“There was a definite buzz around the team after having nearly two months without playing. Training has been challenging and we have been pushed out of our comfort zone. But that’s where you want to be. Comfortable with being uncomfortable. It paid off and we managed to break down a really strong Worcester defence. So proud of everyone today.”

A slow start but a feisty finish against a strong Worcester side giving Wasps plenty to build from for next week’s trip north to face DMP Durham Sharks in round 12.

Courtesy of Wasps

Looking to close out 2020 with an 8th successive bonus point win, Mullen has named a strong side to travel to face Worcester Warriors Women in the Allianz Premier 15s.

Ireland hooker Leah Lyons, named amongst the Game Changers, makes her first matchday squad of the season, whilst fellow Ireland international Anna Caplice comes into the starting XV for the first time this campaign.

Bethan Dainton returns to the squad for the first time since October having come through an injury lay off, with USA international Kristine Sommer moving into the second-row in place of Fi Fletcher who misses out through injury.

Ahead of the clash, Mullen said: “I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen from Worcester this season.

“They seem to be a well-coached team with good defensive pressure and a well drilled set-piece, so we will have to be at our very best to come away with a win.”

Harlequins Women Starting XV
1. Tove Viksten
2. Amy Cokayne
3. Shaunagh Brown
4. Abbie Ward
5. Kristine Sommer
6. Anna Caplice
7. Emily Robinson
8. Jade Konkel
9. Leanne Riley
10. Emily Scott
11. Jess Breach
12. Rachael Burford (captain)
13. Lagi Tuima
14. Heather Cowell
15. Chloe Rollie

Game Changers
16. Leah Lyons
17. Chloe Edwards
18. Lauren Brooks
19. Bethan Dainton
20. Alex Eddie
21. Lucy Packer
22. Ellie Green
23. Jade Mullen

Courtesy of Harlequins 

Four of her regulars were unavailable, Sasha Acheson, Alex Callender, Ffion Lewis and Gwen Crabb, as they had been part of the great occasion in Cardiff – on one side or the other.

Possibly the key moment in Sunday’s game occurred in the third minute: Sarah Bern was forced off the field with a leg injury.  Although her replacement Ellie Mulhearn scored a first-half try, Warriors were full of beans, their backs showing up strongly. Vicky Laflin made several dangerous runs, and there was Lydia Thompson on the other side of the field to cause palpitations.

Warriors struck first, Lucy Lockhart ding over from a line-out drive. But Lucy Attwood’s conversion of the Mulhearn try put the visitors ahead. 5-7
On the half-hour Warriors opted bravely for a scrum at a 5-metre penalty. It worked! Lockhart registered her second.

Half-time:10-7

Warriors have been in this position a few times before: taking a lead, then failing to maintain it. What could Jo Yapp achieve over the lemons?

Answer: renewed determination.

It took a lot of effort before Carys Cox scored another try to stretch the lead. 15-7

Bristol responded with a score of their own through Charlotte Wright-Haley went over from a scrum 15-12

Warriors hung on defiantly, repulsing the Bears’ threats.

A momentous day for the Warriors, a first win and their first points.

Head coaches must have their own idea of pleasurable weekends, but it’s hard to imagine a better double for Jo Yapp

Full time: 15-12
Attendance: 1721

Table after 7 Rounds:

                                                                                  W          L         B         Pts               

Harlequins                                                                   7            0          7           35             

Saracens                                                                      7             0         6           34               

Glos-Pury                                                                    5             2         5           25                

Lightning                                                                   4              3         6          22               

Wasps .                                                                        4             3         4           20

Bristol                                                                           3            4         5           17

DMP                                                                              3            3         3          15             

Richmond                                                                    1             6          1            5                  

Worcester                                                                    1             6          0           4

Waterloo                                                                     0             7          1            1  

The two leaders stride away out of view. Quins’ points-for total is an astonishing 118 ahead of their main rivals.
G-P rise to an encouraging third.

But the headline news is at the bottom of the table. Warriors achieve their third victory ever to rise off that tenth place.

On the international front, Worcester have been honoured to have the following players getting game time:

For England, Rocky Clark, Ceri Large, Bianca Blackburn, Courtney Gill and Lydia Thompson, whilst Lark Davies and Rachel Lund await their call, being members of the squad. At Under 20 level, Kelly Smith made a great impact with a try against the armed forces last week. Regretably,Laura Keates would have been a certain starter, but is still recovering from her injury sustained on international duty.

Sian Williams, now a professional athlete with the RAF  is our Welsh representative, with Rhiannon Parker waiting patiently in the wings, whilst Tracy Balmer represents Scotland, with Lyndsay O’Donnell patiently waiting for a recall.

Scottish International Steph Johnston is a member of the GB 7’s squad and club captain Lisa Campbell represented New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup.

To have 15 current international players at the club is a credit to the excellent work of our coaching team but it does present interesting problems in the Premiership and going forward into the Senior Cup, which takes place during the Six Nations. However, it also provides an excelllent oportunity to the second team players to experience the game at the higher level.

Worcester Ladies 2^nd v Moseley, National League Midland 2, Sunday February 14^th.

Worcester 87 Moseley 5

Worcester leapfrogged Bridgnorth and Moseley to move into 3^rd place in the league with a most impressive  performance at Westons, taking the game by 87 points to 5. Having lost the away encounter by 29 points without returning a score, Moseley were clearly very surprised by the onslaught that started as early as the fith minute in this game, and it was maintained to the final whistle. However, having secured a draw with Bridgnorth and a victory over Gloucester in the previous two games, Worcester’s expectations were high.

Moseley had no answer to the power, pace and skill of the home side in which Paula Robinson created havoc with her carries and power play and Josie Symonds, with five conversions a try and penetrative running from full back were t he games outstanding players. The margin of Worcesters dominance was clear, but the spread of scoring across the team was also impressive, with 11 of the starting 15 recorded on the score sheet.

The majority of the game was played in the opposition’s half, but on one rare visit to the home 22, Moseley were rewarded with a consolation try from Melissa McCalla, greeted with celebrations akin to winning the league.

For Worcester the following players scored: Sarah Davey, Samantha Parker,Jasmine Bixley, Aimee Lensson and Rhiannon Donnahey (2 tries each) Alex Butterwork, Paula Robinson Chelsey Snead, Josie Symonds and Elizabeth Binaks (one try each) with Josie Symonds making 5 conversions and Jaxmine Bixley 2)

…………………………………………………………………..

Worcester disappointed to lose in the last play of the game at Premier Champions Richmond.

Richmond 29 Worcester 24.

The Champions were made to fight hard for their victory, only securing a win with a try on the last play of the game.

Given Richmond’s form this season, and their comprehensive victory over Worcester four weeks ago in the Premiership play off semi-final, not many people in the Women’s game would have given the visitors any hope of a result.

A determined Worcester team took the game to the champions from the kick off, dominating the exchanges and showing great skill and pace out wide, but there were also early warning signs that the pack, considerably lighter and less experienced than Richmond, were going to struggle.

Worcester stunned the partisan crowd by opening the scoring on 11 minutes, Benedicte Williams spotted the absence of the full back, kicked cleverly into space, Samantha Bree raced forward, collected calmly and scored under the posts. Bree also took the extras.

More surprises followed, but Richmond’s dominance in the scrum was giving them a significant advantage when handling errors occurred, winning the majority of the encounters and giving Rhi Parker, who played extremely well at scrum half, some interesting problems to overcome. The technique of hooker Paula Robinson could not be faulted, neither could her barnstorming outfield display throughout the game, but the sheer power of the Richmond pack enabled them to gain the advantage time and time again.

With the ball in hand, Worcester looked imperious and increased their lead, passing ball moved right though the line for full back Kelly Smith to outpace three defenders and take Worcester into a 12-point lead on 20 minutes, silencing the home crowd.

At this point, Richmond started to use their forward advantage, denying the Worcester backs possession and playing through the centre. Their power and dominance in the scrum was rewarded with a penalty try and the visitors appeared to fold under the pressure, conceding a further three tries and two conversions to reverse the advantage and provide the home side with a 24-12 lead at half time.

Worcester returned to the field with purpose, again taking the game to the visitors, causing problems going forward and playing the vast majority of the half in the oppositions 22. However, when handling errors occurred, the scrummage was still found wanting and advantage was frequently surrendered.

No one at the Athletic Ground could have been surprised when Chelsey Snead completed an intense period of attack by finishing strongly to bring Worcester back into the game at 24-17 on 60 minutes and now very much in the ascendency, Samantha Bree ripped a ball, evaded two tackles and ran in her second try on 70 minutes, which she also converted to bring the game level at 24 -24.

With time elapsed, but Richmond in possession, the home side launched a last gasp ferocious attack. Worcester’s defence conceded a series of penalties which eventually enabled Richmond to pick up from a driving scrummage and score in the corner, a cruel outcome and probably an unjust reward for the visitor’s efforts.

Despite this defeat, Worcester can take heart from the all-round performance, and were applauded off the pitch by the home supporters. The players gave their all and it was most encouraging to see Paula Robinson and Chelsey Snead step up from the second team and cause such havoc against quality opposition.  Samantha Bree, recently returned from long term injury, was devastating in her unfamiliar role in the centre and the golden moment in the game saw winger Sammy Parker leap to prevent a penalty line out, somersault, gather the ball and off load, amazing skill.

Worcester would like to thank the supporters who made the journey to London and provided encouragement throughout the game. Greatly appreciated.

Worcester also thank their sponsors and supporters VetsNow, NMU, Foil Specialist, Gardiner Fosh, Worcestershire County Council, Knowle Sports, Aline, AJB Photographic for their continued support.

The photo above shows Chelsey Snead on her way to her first score for Worcester.

Worcester entertain Waterloo at Westons next Sunday, February 28^th, kick off 2.00pm.

Report by David Guest 1st XV Manager.

Both teams were without their international players who are on Six Nations duty, meant that the encounter between these two sides was a much closer affair than it was in the premiership games.

The cup provided both teams with the chance to blend experienced premiership players with those from the second teams. But Worcester arguably had more shoes to fill.

Richmond were slow to get started in the opening quarter of the game and it wasn’t long before Worcester took their opportunity to pounce. Sam Bree showed her electric pace to get first points on the board for Worcester and before Richmond knew it they were trailing 7-0.

Richmond looked to strike back and hooker Davinia Monteiro danced her way through the defence and made a great break to put Worcester on the back foot. But some in-precise handling meant Worcester turned the ball over and ran right back into Richmond territory. A second try soon game and Worcester found themselves 12-0 up.

But the pack of the mighty ‘mond dug the team out of trouble and provided solid possession of the ball for the backs. A dominant force in the scrum all season, the Richmond pack drove the scrum forwards over the try line when they were 5metres out. They were awarded a penalty try for their efforts, which was converted by Amy Turner.

Both teams struggled to get a foothold in the game as the half wore on. Bright sparks for Richmond came from the centre pairing of Vic Britand and Captain Holly Myers who cut some great lines.

Then against the run of play, winger Katie Wallis burst through the defence and sprinted 40metres down the pitch to score Richmond’s second try in the corner.

The game was open and Richmond looked to use their advantage of their stronger pack. They opted for the scrum from a penalty deep in Worcester’s 22 and launched an attacking move which saw flanker Libby Povey touch down across the line.

Just before half time Monteiro was next to get on the scoresheet when she cut a great, short line against the drifting defence to score under the posts. Richmond went into half time leading 24-12.

The second half picked up where the first half left off as neither side was truly able to find their rhythm or assert themselves on the game. Littered with knock on’s and penalties, both sides began to make substitutions.

Tackles were getting bigger but play was pretty frantic. Worcester scored another unconverted try, swiftly followed by an intercept try from Sam Bree who picked off a long pass from Abi Chamberlain in Worcester territory. The conversion was good making the score 24 all heading into the closing stages of the game.

Richmond piled the pressure on in the last few minutes as they were awarded a penalty in the Worcester 22. They went for the catch and drive off the 5metre lineout but Worcester held them up.

Awarded another penalty, Nicole Kwee took a quick tap and linked up with Povey before squeezing over to claim the winning try herself.

The final score was 29-24. Despite the high penalty count against Richmond and the string of handling errors making the game less than pretty, they got the all important win as they target a top two finish in their pool.

Report courtesy of Richmond LRFC

Arriving at Cobham RFC in what appeared to be Narnia with snow covered pitches, Worcester were determined to put the previous week’s poor performance behind them. However, the game did not start well for them with Lichfield retaining ball and driving towards the Worcester goal line with great intensity. This early pressure saw Lichfield open their account on just 6 minutes.

Undaunted, Worcester struck back and put their opponent’s under similar pressure for Lisa Campbell to level the scores on 16 minutes with a rampaging run and Sam Bree gave them the lead with the conversion.

From then on the half it was battle of attrition, both teams giving no quarter with Worcester having the better chances, but failing to capitalise on their field position and possession at critical moments.

Against the run of play and in the 39^th minute, Worcester were turned over at the breakdown having committed too many players to the situation, exposing themselves with little defence on the wing. Lichfield spotted the opportunity, moved the ball quickly through hands to the wing and scored in the corner.

With a half time score of 7 -10, Worcester were still very much in the game, but Lichfield began to take the initiative after the break with Harriet Millar-Mills and Millie Wood prominent. Worcester were struggling to contain Wood in the centre and as a result Lichfield were rewarded by a further try on 49 minutes.

Worcester struck back with some impressive passages of play in which Campbell, Rocky Clark and Helena Bunce were always involved. Their efforts were rewarded on 75 minutes with second try from Campbell to bring game well with reach of Worcester. The final minutes of the game were contested at a ferocious pace with Worcester pressing forward to get the victory, but as so often happens in these situations with players committed to all-out attack and time on the clock expired, they were turned over, allowing Harriet Millar- Mills to burst through the centre and score under the posts on 82 minutes. Sarah Nicolas took the extras from in front of the post to provide a cruel ending for Worcester and sweet success for Lichfield.

Final score: Lichfield 22 Worcester 12

Both teams must be commended for their attacking brand of rugby and commitment, and Lichfield congratulated for claiming 3^rd place in the league.

Worcester premiership season has now ended, but they go forward into the Senior Cup.

Worcester’s 2^nd team gave an impressive and determined performance at home on Saturday evening against 3^rd placed Bridgnorth in National League Midlands 2, to gain a credible 15-15 draw. Worcester led for much of the game but when Bridgnorth introduced player coach, and former Worcester player Darel Poole with 20 minute of the game remaining, the balance of play swung in favour of the visitors. None the less, coach Ryan Forshaw will have been encouraged by the commitment and skill shown throughout the 80 minutes which bodes well for the second half the season.

The 2^nd team travel to Deeping next Sunday aiming to carry their recent good form forwards.

Both Worcester teams would like to thank their supporters who turned out in considerable numbers for these games in not the best spectator conditions.

Match report by David Guest, Worcester 1^st XV Manager