Sana Mir: I have really enjoyed the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier so far. The tournament has produced some real moments of cricketing brilliance with all 10 teams giving it their all. The 20 group games were keenly contested and we are now down to the business end of the tournament, where one moment of brilliance can get you and your team to the ultimate target – qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – and on the other hand, one mistake can break it all and lead to big disappointment.

Amongst the four semi-finalists, UAE’s progress has been the most heartening to see as the other three semi-finals were largely expected to seal a knockout spot before the tournament began.

The UAE have a very disciplined bowling attack led by Samaira Dharnidharka (seven wickets in the group stage at 7.57) who has been very impressive throughout, the spinner Vaishnave Mahesh has also been in prime form for them. Esha Oza as captain and batter has been inspirational for the team especially with her attacking style of play and leadership, her strike rate has put pressure on the opposition throughout. It was also good to see her partner Theertha Satish coming back into form against Vanuatu.

Sri Lanka are a team that is a class apart from the rest, Ireland have also proven their worth and pedigree, these two teams have so far been a cut above the rest, mainly due to the quality of their players and the experience of playing in major ICC events.

Sri Lanka have had a different player of the match in each of their first three games which signifies the depth of their squad. Their biggest star Chamari Athapaththu is yet to perform with the bat (103 runs in the tournament) other than one innings against Scotland and while she did get the player of the match award last night, a big innings from her is still due and I have a feeling that with her special ability and big match temperament, she is likely to provide the fireworks with the bat in their semi-final clash which will determine Sri Lanka’s participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

While Athapaththu is yet to fire, her opening partner Vishmi Gunaratne (135 runs at 67.50) has remained consistent. Kavisha Dilhari (seven wickets at 6.85) has been absolutely brilliant with the ball and has found good support from Inoshi Priyadharshani (six wickets).

Ireland have remained the best team by far from Group B, their openers Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis (highest run scorer in the group stage – 151 at 37.75) have set the tone for them in the batting department, while captain Laura Delany has also shown great skill, temperament and the ability to dominate a match with both bat and ball, her all-round performance last night against the Netherlands, once again exemplified her talent.

Kathryn Bryce (142 runs at 71, five wickets) has been another captain who has led her side from the front with her all-round ability. She has found good support from Ailsa Lister but the rest of the Scotland batting has been a bit inconsistent so far and I feel that the batting group will need to fire in their do-or-die semi-final clash against Ireland.

Hannay Rainy has been a good, late addition to their bowling unit and has delivered well in tandem with Rachel Slater, Kathryn Fraser and Abtaha Maqsood.

The Netherlands missed out because they were not able to maintain the intensity and focus for the entire 20 overs. They played well in patches but couldn’t find a complete game for themselves. I was, however, impressed by their seasoned batter Sterre Kalis, as well as Babette de Leede and Robine Rijke, who put some good performances in the group stage but unfortunately the rest of the batters didn’t live up to expectations.

Thailand also produced some solid cricket in patches but failed to make use of the chances that came their way in the two major matches against Sri Lanka and Scotland. The injury to batting mainstay Natthakan Chantham, was a big blow and her absence hurt them in the all-important Scotland clash. I was impressed by the bowling ability of medium-pacer Chanida Sutthiruang and the all-round skills of Nattaya Boochatham. The team certainly has the potential to grow further in the years ahead.

For me the biggest story of the group stage was Vanuatu women who put the country on the cricketing map, Nasimana Navaika (highest wicket-taker in the group stage – 10 wickets at 7.50) produced a stunning performance in that win over Zimbabwe, for a team that has a small cricket setup with limited funds, a win over a Full Member team was truly a great story. Credit must also be given to their captain, Selina Solomon, whose leadership seems to have made a big difference to the team’s growth.

Rachel Andrew and Vanessa Vira are the two other Vanuatu players who have impressed me with their skill and quality. The most dazzling moment of the group stage for me was the in-swinging yorker by Rachel Andrews to Zimbabwe captain Mary-Anne Musonda which knocked the stumps out!

Zimbabwe and Uganda excelled in the field amid the disappointment of not reaching the semi-final stage. For Zimbabwe, Kelis Ndhlovu did not perform as expected, she has been a pivotal player for the team and her lack of form impacted the team’s performance. I was impressed by the all-round ability of Josephine Nkomo and the bowling performance of Audrey Mazvishaya who gained great confidence throughout the tournament and became a reliable bowler for Zimbabwe towards the end of the group games. Lindokuhle Mabhero also bowled with good discipline.

For Uganda, as expected, Immaculate Nakisuuyi remained the most impressive player, her player of the match performance against USA showcased her potential as the backbone for the team. Overall though, the team failed to make the most of the opportunities that came their way and were duly knocked out from Group A, finishing fourth win a solitary win.

The USA team unfortunately struggled to compete with the rest of the teams in their group. I feel they have some way to go and will have noted their need to improve in all three departments especially their batting strike rates. The opening bowler Geetika Kodali has promise and potential, it must have been a real confidence booster for her to dismiss Athapaththu in the first over last night.

I am looking forward to the two semi-finals as they should be fiercely contested with so much at stake in the presence of some quality cricketers in all four sides. While I think both games would be closely fought, my picks for the final and of course qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup are Sri Lanka and Ireland.

With thanks to the ICC

Drawn in Pool B, England take on hosts Romania, Italy and Belgium with all matches streamed on RugbyEurope.tv.

The tournament is made up of three pools of four teams. The top eight teams will progress from the pools and be reseeded for the quarter-finals where the winners of each will qualify for the Rugby World Cup Sevens which takes place in South Africa in September.

Abbie Brown captains the side which is made up of players who have represented England Sevens on the 2022 World Series and Rugby Europe tournaments.

Rodwell said: “As a group we are really looking forward to getting back on the pitch with the aim to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Cape Town.

“We’ve had an intensive training block since we returned from the Rugby Europe tournaments and want to continue the progress made there.

“This is separate from the Commonwealth Games and a big opportunity to be involved in another major tournament in what is a really exciting year for sevens.”

England Women Sevens squad

Ellie Boatman
Abbie Brown (C)
Heather Cowell
Grace Crompton
Merryn Doidge
Amy Wilson Hardy
Alicia Maude
Isla Norman-Bell
Jodie Ounsley
Celia Quansah
Jade Shekells
Lauren Torley
Emma Uren

Pool B schedule

Saturday 16 July
England Women 7s v Romania Women 7s – KO 11.06 local time/9.06 UK time
England Women 7s v Italy Women 7s – KO 18.06 local time/16.06 UK time

Sunday 17 July
England Women 7s v Belgium Women 7s – KO 11.06 local time/9.06 UK time

With thanks to the RFU

Most sane people rate them racing certainties to beat Colombia, but Brian Easson and his squad aren’t letting such vain thoughts enter their heads. ‘Utmost respect’ is the order of the day.

Colombia turned the tables on the higher rated Kazakhs last weekend to prove worthy winners. They will admit that the few test matches the pandemic permitted them (three) were a crucial advantage.

But now they come face to face with a nation that has rediscovered its self-belief, despite all its past disappointments.

Covid-19 dealt the Scots a cruel blow when Philip Doyle was unable to continue his stewardship of the team, so recently begun. In his place Bryan Easson has done a fine job building on Doyle’s initial steps.

Twenty of his squad of 30 (full list below) perform in the English Prem 15s league to ensure top-level standards and fitness. Rhona Lloyd is the one player operating in France at Bordeaux.

Easson has been carefully fitting the pieces together to form a talented and resilient squad. Everything starts up front, where Christine Belisle had proved an important addition at tight-head. Behind her the Scots have proven match winners in Jade Konkel, Lloyd and Chloe Rollie. It will be fascinating to see whether the newest incomer, Caity Mattinson, has impressed the selectors sufficiently to gain a (starting) place.

It was important to unearth new talent, unburdened by the memory of many lost games.

The squad had to make do with a single match last autumn, against Japan (won with some difficulty 36-12). Wouldn’t they have preferred more match practice at the highest level? Even so, the odds are Helen Nelson won’t be required to pot a vital kick in the 81st minute.

After the Six Nations the next stage must surely be a series of testing internationals over the summer, especially against teams ranked higher than them. Currently they stand ninth, their highest ever. Their immediate targets are Ireland and Italy who lie four points ahead of them; they meet both of them away this year.

But first, the Toucans!

Las Tucanes haven’t had their troubles to seek. After entering their bubble a fortnight before their trips to Madrid and Dubai, their head coach Raúl Vesga and four players were unable to travel after contracting Covid-19. Lissete Martinez had to take charge at the last moment.

They then lost heavily to Spain’s second team, but were undaunted. They overcame the loss of Maribel Mestra, their No 8, to a red card to see off the more fancied Kazakhstan side.

They are led by a 21-year-old, Leidy Soto, who happens to be the younger sister of Juliana Soto, also in the squad. She hopes Scotland will give them due respect. But I fancy Easson had already given ‘utmost respect’ as his squad’s watchword

Las Tucanes are on a great adventure, and whatever the outcome of Friday’s match, they’ve put Colombia firmly on the map of women’s rugby.
One important effect will be to inspire more players across South America. The talent is surely there.

Media Coverage

Match available via BBC Alba and World Rugby’s channels, including youtube.
Kick-off 15.00 GMT, Friday 25 February

The Scotland Squad in Dubai:

Anne Young (Edinburgh University) – 1 cap
Caity Mattinson (Worcester Warriors) – uncapped
Chloe Rollie (Exeter Chiefs) – 44 caps
Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning) – 11 caps
Coreen Grant (Saracens) – 1 cap
Emma Wassell (Loughborough Lightning) – 51 caps
Eva Donaldson (Edinburgh University) – uncapped
Evie Gallagher (Stirling County) – 7 caps
Evie Wills (Hillhead Jordanhill) – 2 caps
Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning) – 36 caps
Jade Konkel (Harlequins) – 48 caps
Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning) – 35 caps
Katie Dougan (Gloucester Hartpury) – 14 caps
Lana Skeldon (Worcester Warriors) – 47 caps
Leah Bartlett (Loughborough Lightning) – 11 caps
Lisa Cockburn (Worcester Warriors) – 22 caps
Lisa Thomson (Sale Sharks) – 39 caps
Liz Musgrove (Unattached) – 10 caps
Louise McMillan (Hillhead Jordanhill) – 30 caps
Lyndsay O’Donnell (Worcester Warriors) – 15 caps
Mairi McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill) – 7 caps
Megan Gaffney (Loughborough Lightning) – 38 caps
Meryl Smith (Edinburgh University) – uncapped
Molly Wright (Sale Sharks) – 9 caps
Rachel Malcolm (captain, Loughborough Lightning) – 23 caps
Rachel McLachlan (Sale Sharks) – 23 caps
Rhona Lloyd (Les Lionesses du Stade Bordelais) – 32 caps
Sarah Bonar (Harlequins) – 25 caps
Sarah Law (Sale Sharks) – 47 caps
Shona Campbell (Edinburgh University) – 1 cap

If the Rugby World Cup committee was hoping for some drama next year, they got it in bucket-loads in Parma today.

For Ireland and Scotland it was all or nothing. For much of the game the Irish looked well on top, yet the half-time score read 5-8 against them.

The pack meant business, Stacey Flood managed the game capably, and there was always the threat coming from that back three, Parsons-Murphy Crowe-Considine.

But it was Linda Djougang who had the first success. On eighteen minutes she picked the ball off the ground, then proceeded to move past five opponents and three would-be tackles to go over the line. It was an astonishing solo score. (5-0)

Clara Munarini awarded Scotland two penalties in a row. As they mounted an assault in the line, Edel McMahon was yellowed for a high tackle. Helen Nelson kicked the penalty. (5-3)

Scotland attacked again through the threes to the left, but once checked, they lacked control at the ruck and Ireland could clear.

Both sides were untidy in their handling, so many promising attacks came to nothing. But as the break approached, everything clicked for Scotland. Jade Konkel, who was immense as usual, drove off a scrum and Hannah Smith carved her way through the middle. Finally Nelson produced a wicked chip over the top into the right-hand corner. Sure enough, Rhona Lloyd was the first to claim the ball. So rather against the run of play the half-time score read:

Ireland 5 Scotland 8

The game swung further against the Irish. A Scottish penalty placed them on the 5m line from where the pack produced a series of drives. Eventually Lana Skeldon was awarded the try from under a pile of bodies. (5-13) This was not what the pundits had been predicting (who, me?).

Ireland had the answer. They denied Scotland the ball for long periods till Flood kicked a penalty. (8-13). Scotland haven’t had much practice at hanging on to a lead in recent seasons, and there was still half-an-hour to go.

Sure enough, the next score came to the Irish. They mounted a big raid as the forwards pounded towards the line. The ball swung right and there was Lindsey Peat to finish the job. She drummed the ball into the ground in triumph. (15-13)

Just three minutes later things grew darker for the Scots as Flood popped another penalty over. (18-13) This was how nearly everyone expected the game to go. The Scots were tiring as their game-management didn’t allow for energy-saving clearances. Most of Nelson’s kicks landed straight in the arms of Ireland’s back three; that meant more heavy defensive chores.

But they stuck to their task. Ireland’s position worsened when Eve Higgins received a yellow for a dangerous tackle on Lisa Thomson. She was lucky not to see red; Thomson’s head almost hit the ground first.

The tension, already great, increased. Scotland produced another drive which finished over the line, but as the backs leapt in the air, Munarini ordained ‘held up’.

With 78 minutes on the clock the Irish dropped out from their line, and the Scots tried again. Quite astonishingly, considering how exhausted they were, they produced a lovely move, the ball swinging right. On the end of the line was Chloe Rollie. She was through and had the space and time to run in much closer to the posts. (18-18)

A (free) trip to New Zealand now depended on Sarah Law’s boot. It proved a loyal friend. The ball sailed over. Scotland had won.

It’s doubtful whether the emotions that will be witnessed at the final whistle of next year’s World Cup will come anywhere near what we now saw at the Sergio Lanfranchi Stadium in Parma. Tears were shed on both sides, but the emotions were at the opposite ends of the spectrum.

Scotland live on to qualify for the next repechage where they will meet Samoa, Colombia and one other nation to decide the final qualifier of all. It would be their first RWC since 2010.

For Ireland it was the bitterest of defeats.

Result: Ireland 18 Scotland 20

Officials:
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
ARs: Aurelie Groizeleau (FFR) and Maria Giovanna Pacifico (FIR)
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)

The Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship gets underway on 18 November with four teams – hosts Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Tonga – vying for a place at Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand.

Australia A and a New Zealand Black Ferns Development XV are also competing in the tournament that will be played over four rounds from 18-30 November at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji.

The highest placed of the non-qualified teams will join the eight teams who have already confirmed their presence at Rugby World Cup 2021.

A top-seven finish at the last Rugby World Cup in Ireland two years ago guaranteed New Zealand, England, USA, France, Canada, Australia and Wales their place, while South Africa became the first regional qualifier back in August.

In April this year World Rugby announced details of a new qualification pathway for Rugby World Cup 2021 whereby non-qualified teams will compete in new and existing regional tournaments.

Regional tournaments will be hosted in Oceania, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America with the final opportunity for teams to qualify being through the new repechage tournament, which will be held in 2020.

The New Zealand Black Ferns Development XV are accompanied in Pool A at the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship by Samoa and Tonga, while Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Australia A come together in Pool B.

Fiji are chasing a hat-trick of titles having won in 2016 and in 2018 when they defeated Samoa 43-12 on the final day.

For Tonga, last year’s tournament marked the first appearance of a women’s 15s side in international rugby since the Women’s Pacific Tri-Nations in 2006.

As well as doubling as a Rugby World Cup qualification tournament, the inclusion of the two invitational teams adds an extra layer of competition and the chance for New Zealand and Australia to test the depth of their talent pool.

Rugby World Cup 2021 will be held in the southern hemisphere for the first time when New Zealand host the premier tournament. The world’s best women’s teams will travel to Auckland and Whangarei on New Zealand’s North Island for the ninth edition of the competition.

In August this year World Rugby announced that its flagship 15s and sevens Rugby World Cup properties will no longer include gender in their titles, furthering its commitment to equality and brand consistency across its portfolio.

Where to watch: Matches will be streamed live on the Oceania Rugby Twitter page and broadcast live on Sky Sports New Zealand

Match schedule (all times local):

Houghton and Nobbs, of Manchester City and Arsenal respectively, are back in the fold after each missed the SheBelieves Cup in the United States earlier this month through injury. Reading’s Mary Earps and Arsenal’s Beth Mead are also notable additions to the squad.

England’s best-ever performance at the SheBelieves Cup has seen them move up to second in the world – just behind the US team who narrowly beat them 1-0  in the final game but ahead of UEFA rivals Germany.

England will welcome Wales to Southampton FC’s St. Mary’s Stadium on Friday 6 April, for their first fixture at the Premier League ground since 2006. Wales top qualifying Group 1 with ten points from four games, a point ahead of England having played a game more. The match will be followed by a trip to meet Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday 10 April and two positive results would mean a big step towards qualifying for the 2019 finals in France.

Speaking for the first time since the US trip, Neville said: “I am really pleased for the players that their hard work has been recognised in the new rankings. To get to second in the world is a wonderful achievement, but if we want to take the last – and biggest – step to become No1 then we have to deliver in matches like the two we have coming up.  Because of what’s at stake, they are more important than the SheBelieves and we will prepare accordingly.

“Wales will be my first competitive match in charge and it will be an incredible honour to walk out at a packed Premier League ground with this group of players. I have been so impressed at how they have reacted to what I and the coaches have asked of them in everything we do on and off the field.

“In particular, the young players have really taken their chance to shine. We are delighted to have Steph and Jordan back, but we also want to keep giving opportunities to the next generation coming through. I hope as many people as possible come out to support them – especially with the game coming in the middle of the Easter school holidays.”

Casey Stoney will continue her key support role as part of The FA’s player-to-coach scheme while Neville has also asked Sunderland coach Melanie Copeland to assist him with this camp. With Mo Marley, who travelled to the SheBelieves Cup, focusing on the U20s’ own World Cup this summer, Neville is keen to keep providing opportunities within the women’s game.

He added: “I am delighted to have Mel coming with us for the next camp. I have said I want to give more elite international experience to the talented coaches we have in this country.

“With the plan being to finalise my permanent staff after the end of the season, we may do something similar with the June camp as well. I would also like to thank Sunderland for their support in allowing Mel to come and work with us.”

Melanie Copeland added: “I’m honoured to have been asked to work with the England senior women’s team and feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity. I really look forward to working with players, the other backroom staff and Phil Neville, who I would like to thank for giving me the chance to work with the Lionesses.”

England Squad

Goalkeepers

Karen Bardsley Manchester City, Mary Earps Reading, Carly Telford Chelsea

Defenders

Hannah Blundell Chelsea, Millie Bright Chelsea, Lucy Bronze Lyon, Rachel Daly Houston Dash, Gabby George Everton, Steph Houghton Manchester City, Abbie McManus Manchester City, Demi Stokes Manchester City

Midfielders

Isobel Christiansen Manchester City, Fran Kirby Chelsea, Jordan Nobbs Arsenal, Jill Scott Manchester City, Keira Walsh Manchester City, Fara Williams Reading

Forwards

Toni Duggan Barcelona, Melissa Lawley Manchester City, Beth Mead Arsenal, Nikita Parris Manchester City, Jodie Taylor Seattle Reign, Ellen White Birmingham City

Tickets for the Wales match at St. Mary’ Stadium, Southampton are on sale. Children and concessions tickets are just £1 and group booking and Charter Standard discounts apply.

Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 02381 780 780.

You can find more information here.

Report courtesy of The FA

Bosnia managed to keep the scores level until the 19th minute when the goalkeeper, Almina Hodzic, was only able to punch away Danielle Carter’s cross into the path of England Captain Steph Houghton who made no mistake heading into the empty net.

The score would have been a lot higher but for some amazing saves from the athletic Hodzic.

Immediately after half time Nikita Parris scored England’s second after Toni Duggan had cut through the Bosnia & Herzegovina defence.

England’s third was a cleverly taken free kick from just outside the box, Houghton spotted gap in the rather inadequate wall and took full advantage of the space to hammer the ball home.

The visitors were a little hard done by with the referee’s call when their centre forward was harshly adjudged to have fouled her way to a free run on goal, in truth it was a let off for England, but it wouldn’t have affected the final score.

The Lionesses deserved their win and Kirby also deserved her goal, as she stepped up to confidently take a penalty after Carter was wrestled to the ground.

Next up for the Lionesses is Kazakhstan in Colchester on Tuesday (19:05 GMT)

England (4-3-3): 1 Siobhan Chamberlain (Liverpool), 2 Lucy Bronze (Lyon), 5 Steph Houghton (Capt; Manchester City), 6 Millie Bright (Chelsea), 3 Alex Greenwood (Liverpool); 4 Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), 10 Fran Kirby (Chelsea), 8 Isobel Christiansen (Manchester City); 7 Nikita Parris (Manchester City), 9 Danielle Carter (Arsenal), 11 Toni Duggan (Barcelona)

Substitutes: 17 Jo Potter (Reading) for Christiansen 73, 18 Melissa Lawley (Manchester City) for Parris 81

Substitutes not used: 13 Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), 12 Demi Stokes (Manchester City), 14 Jodie Taylor (Arsenal), 16 Karen Carney (Chelsea)

Goals: Houghton 19, 54, Parris 46, Kirby 83

Head coach: Mo Marley

Bosnia & Herzegovina: 1 Almina Hodzic, 3 Antonela Redeljic, 5 Melisa Hasanbegovic, 4 Amira Spahic (capt), 11 Lidija Kulis, 17 Amela Krso, 10 Alisa Spahic, 6 Marija Aleksic, 14 Dajana Spasojevic, 9 Milena Nikolic, 7 Andela Seslija.

Substitutes: 2 Valentina Sakotic for Seslija 45, 8 Aida Hadzic for Alisa Spahic 77, 20 Nikola Milovic for Amira Spahic 90

Substitutes not used: 12 Arnela Sabanovic, 13 Amna Lihovic, 15 Marina Lukic, 16 Alma Kameric

Bookings: Nikolic 59, Kulis 85

Head coach: Samira Hurem

Referee: Ewa Augustyn

Attendance: 10,026

From the off Russia struggled to cope with the Lionesses pace and movement, and when they were reduced to ten after a second bookable offence for Ksenia Tsybutovich it was game over for the visitors.

Russia’s early tactic was to sit back but the Lionesses were able to slice through the defence regularly with Fran Kirby orchestrating England’s attack.  Kirby also had a hand in setting up the first three goals [scored by Nikita Parris, Jodie Taylor and Jordan Nobbs] as well as being awarded a rather harsh penalty which was saved by Russian keeper Tatyana Shcherbak. (It was from this hand-ball that Tsybutovich was awarded a second yellow and given her marching orders, a harsh decision given the player had turned her back on Kirby.)

In a display of team unity and support for their beleaguered coach, after opening the scoring, Parris ran straight to the bench to embrace team mates and Mark Sampson.

By half time Lucy Bronze had added to the tally and the Lionesses headed in for the break on a very comfortable 4-0.

In the second half England continued to play with freedom and enthusiasm – and substitutions complemented the play with Karen Carney, Ellen White and Isobel Christiansen  (who came on for Parris, Taylor and Kirby) slipping seamlessly into the fluent performance of this side.

The Lionesses added two more goals, both scored by Toni Duggan but it could easily have been more. The team definitely shook off the disappointment of their Euros campaign and put on a fine display for the delighted crowd at Tranmere.

The Lionesses will play Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday 24th November and then Kazakhstan on 28th November (both home fixtures) as their second and third qualifiers and one can only hope that they continue to play with this style.