Semi-Final 2 Leg 2

Gloucester-Hartpury name side for semi-final second leg at Saracens

Trailing 62-0 after the first leg of the Tyrrells Premier 15s play-off semi-final, Gloucester Hartpury Women face an uphill battle in the second leg away at Saracens, but Head Coach Susie Appleby insists that her team will give it everything.

After a memorable first season in the top flight, Gloucester-Hartpury exceeded the expectations of probably everyone outside the organization by finishing fourth in the table and qualifying for the play-offs.

However, they were put to the sword by a rampant Saracens outfit in the first leg at the Gillman’s Ground last weekend and Appleby is backing her team to restore some pride at Allianz Park tomorrow.

“We were extremely disappointed with our performance last week, we were outplayed by Saracens in every aspect of the game. We are better than that and we need to show that tomorrow.

“We need to tighten up our accuracy at the breakdown area and be more accurate with the ball when we do have possession.

“Sarah Bern has been ruled out through injury and this allows Catrin Edwards to start. Catrin is an excellent ball carrier and will bring physicality to our game.

“Meanwhile, at number eight, Connie Powell has been in excellent form, she deserves her first start of the season and makes for a really exciting young back row alongside Taz and Tabs.

“And Shya Pinnock has been in fine form for the A team, she deserves an opportunity to be involved in the first team, I’m really excited to see what she can do off the bench.

“We have nothing to lose and we are going to throw everything at Sarries tomorrow. The players have had an excellent season and are determined to finish off with a really strong performance. We are looking forward to it.”