Lichfield Ladies v Wasps Ladies

Review

In round 13 of the RFU Women’s Premiership games Lichfield Ladies welcomed Wasps Ladies to Cooke Fields. Wasps fielded an extremely strong team with several experienced internationals, but it was the young Lichfield team who finished victorious and who move back to 4^th in the Women’s Premiership.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Lichfield were immediately put under pressure by Wasps and remained in their own half until Wasps were able to open the scoring on 13 minutes, through their right wing Rebecca Rowe who beat the covering defence to score in the corner.

As the first half progressed, Lichfield improved and went close on a couple of occasions. With their World Cup star Marlie Packer then yellow carded for stamping after 30 minutes, Wasps found themselves on the defensive and managed to hold onto their lead to reach half time 5-0 ahead.

In the second half, playing with the wind, Lichfield took control of the game led by their outstanding fly half and captain Tash Jones by playing quick passing running rugby. Their first try came after 54 minutes when following an excellent break by Millie Wood (starting for the first time), Lichfield got the ball to right wing Jasmine Coyne, who outpaced the defence to touch down. Sarah Nicholas added the conversion to give Lichfield the lead 7-5.

Lichfield scored their second try when after 60 minutes, following an outstanding handling move across the back line, full back Sarah Nicholas quick pass to Jasmine Coyne put her in for her second try, also converted by Nicholas to increase their lead to 14-5.

Despite conceding another try to Wasps, through Rebecca Rowe, Lichfield kept up the momentum and were rewarded with their third and final try through the excellent  Amy Cokayne who beat several tackles to score on 70 minutes, with Sarah Nicholas adding the extras to give Lichfield a 21-10 victory.

Commenting on the win, Lichfield’s Head Coach Rich Bennett said “I am delighted with the victory today, it was very well deserved. Our second half performance was not only full of heart and passion, but demonstrated that our young side can play controlled, disciplined rugby in tricky conditions and make very good decisions under pressure”

“Wasps fielded an excellent side, but we asked all of our players to increase the intensity and to concentrate on performance.  They did exactly as they were asked and were rewarded with and excellent win”