Worcester Ladies v Richmond Women

Review

Previous meetings of these teams have seen close, engaging encounters. This game followed the same trend until the final 15 minutes.

Whilst Richmond had the majority of possession, Worcester defended stealthily, but not for the first time this season, they were plagued a spate injuries in the final quarter which clearly affected the teams cohesion.

The disappointingly sparse crowd were treated to a master class performance from former Worcester fly half, Alice Richardson, who combined vision and spacial awareness with delicate mesmerising passing. The home defence struggled to defend this. Richardson was aided and abetted by another former Worcester player, Joanne Watmore, who was a constant thorn in Worcester’s side.

Richmond took the lead after just five minutes, cleaver handling from Richardson released Becky Ball to score in the corner after just 5 minutes. Worcester composed themselves and competed passionately in the mid field, their efforts being rewarded in the 30^th minute with a penalty, superbly struck by Megan Goddard, to reduce the deficit. However, Richmond extended their lead just 6 minutes later with a try from Watmore, converted by Richardson and continued to apply pressure with a second try from Ball on 38 minutes. Not daunted by this, the home side fought back with a try from Ceri Large just before half time, 8-17, everything to play for.

The opening 20 minutes of the second half saw Worcester very much in command and they were duly rewarded with a try from replacement Laura Keates. At this stage it looked like they may snatch a victory. However, a string of injuries appeared to upset their balance and the visitors took full advantage in the final 15 minutes, appearing to show superior fitness and commitment. A brace of tries from Fran Matthews, both converted by Richardson, sent the visitors on their homeward journey with a winning bonus point, leaving home side to reflect on opportunities missed and areas for development.