Saracens Women have been crowned champions of the English Premiership for the third year in succession.
Their defence of the title means they have become the first women’s club in English Premiership rugby history to retain the title three years on the bounce.
The North London side claimed the title in emphatic style by not losing a single game all season. They also scored an impressive 457 points, 215 points more than their nearest rivals, second place Wasps.
The Saracens team include England internationals Claire Allan, Maggie Alphonsi, Charlotte Barras, Rachel Burford, Amy Garnett and Vicky Massarella who were all part of the England team that were crowned RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions this month.
by Julia Hutton
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Francesca Matthews
One of 12 newcomers to England’s Elite squad this season, Fran can play in the centre or in the pack’s backrow. She currently plays club rugby for Camberley RFC and is from Frimley originally.
I have been very impressed by Fran Matthews, she had an outstanding game last night against the Nomads, and on that form, I can say we shall be seeing a lot more of this girl in years to come. A tenacious player, who packs a punch higher than her weight. A definite one to watch.
England women claim historic Slam
England women secured a 17-7 win over Ireland to claim an unprecedented third consecutive Grand Slam victory.
Saracens centre Claire Allan, who scored six tries during the campaign, set England on their way, touching down in the first minute of the game.
On 70 minutes Leos forward Sarah Beale grabbed England's second try, before Yvonne Nolan touched down for Ireland.
England head coach Gary Street said: "We've a strong squad - that's going to stand us in good stead for the future."
The BBC
England Players Player
Also announced last night was the England's Players Player award. A much deserved Tamara Taylor was announced as a worthy and well supported winner. Tam, undoubtedly one of the best second rows in the world at the moment. Receiving her award from Gill Burns, Tam was hailed with loud and rapturous applause a popular winner. Congratulations Tam from Denis and Mark
England A Players Player Announced
Arguably the most coveted award for any player is that, that is selected by one peers. Players Player for England A was announced last night and deservedly won by the tenacious Sonia Green. "Congratulations Sonic", the gritty back row stalwart has been outstanding this season, and overcame "Floppy Flanker Syndrome" to bounce up and receive her award at the after match dinner.
England Women crowned RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions
England 17 Ireland 7
England Women were crowned the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions on Saturday following a hard fought 17-7 victory over Ireland at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury.
The victory hands England an unprecedented third consecutive Grand Slam victory in Six Nations history and clearly sends out a strong message to the reigning World Champions New Zealand ahead of the next IRB Rugby World Cup in 2010.
England’s 17-7 victory comes following a 55-0 win over Wales, a 76-6 triumph against Italy, a record away 31-0 victory against France and a 5-34 defeat of Scotland. Saracens centre Claire Allan led the try scoring tally with an impressive six touchdowns during the campaign, including a try in the first minute of the game against Ireland.
England Head Coach Gary Street said: “It’s a great feeling to win the Grand Slam again. For me this is my first one as Head Coach and I have to say this title is a testament to the hard work of the players on and off the field.
“We would have liked to put in a better performance today but really today is all about the performance of this team throughout the championship. The real success story has been the bonding of this squad, from a new coaching team to a relatively new and young squad. We clearly have a very strong squad with a lot of depth and that is going to stand us in very good stead for the future.”
England Assistant Coach Graham Smith added: “I am obviously delighted that we have won, and won the title again. It is an amazing achievement.
“Today was tough, but we always knew it would be against Ireland. For the first 15 minutes of the game I think we played a completely error free game of rugby but when we failed to score again Ireland grew in confidence and came back at us.
“For me, the forwards have been an immense part of our campaign. They really are a talented bunch and their scrummaging and line-outs have been outstanding. Overall I think there is a very special feeling about this squad and they could well prove to be world beaters. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RFU and the Guinness Premiership Academies for their help in developing our players as well as the hard work of all of those involved in the success of this England team.”
England were handed their Grand Slam title after a hard fought 80 minutes of rugby. The home side initially looked like they would run in another cricket score win after a try for Allen with just a minute on the clock. The score came following a scrum in Ireland’s 22 with Richmond’s scrum-half Amy Turner popping the ball up to Allan who scored under the posts. Fly-half Katy McLean converted to hand England a 7-0 lead.
Just seven minutes later and McLean had another chance at goal with a penalty and she was successful, though a missed kick at goal on 20 minutes left England having to settle for a 10-0 lead at half-time.
After the restart Ireland continued to keep England at bay with some fierce defending. They too were aggressive at the breakdown, stopping England from getting their consistency going while the home side made the win hard work for themselves too.
On 70 minutes Leos forward Sarah Beale broke the deadlock after England drove forward in Ireland’s 22 and Beale managed to break away and score. This time Richardson added the conversion to hand England the 17-0 lead.
Ireland refused to give up though and their gritty determination in the dying minutes of the game paid off when they were handed a line-out five metres out from England’s line. They executed the line-out well and drove over with replacement Yvonne Nolan claiming the spoils. Grace Davitt converted to make the final score 17-7.
England
1 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Katy Storie (Blaydon Team Northumbria), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 11 Danielle Waterman (Clifton), 12 Rachael Burford (Saracens), 13 Claire Allan (Saracens), 14 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens). Replacements:
16 Emma Layland (Richmond), 17 Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 18 Sarah Beale (Leos), 19 Karen Jones (Richmond), 20 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 21 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 22 Victoria Massarella (Saracens)
Tries: Allan, Beale
Conversions: McLean, Richardson
Penalities: McLean
Substitutions: Merchant for Waterman (48), Richardson for McLean & Massarella for Barras (53), Beale for McGilchrist (56), Layland for Garnett (65), Jones for Hunter & Hemming for Clark (68),
Ireland
1 Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemian), 2 Jessika Limbert (Cooke), 3 Marie Barrett (Highfield), 4 Germaine Healy (Blackrock), 5 Caroline Mahon (UL Bohemian), 6 Orla Brennan (Blackrock), 7 Eimear O Sullivan (Highfield), 8 Joy Neville (UL Bohs), 9 Tania Rosser (Blackrock), 10 Jo O Sullivan (Richmond), 11 Grace Davitt (Blackrock), 12 Shannon Houston (Blackrock), 13 Patrique Kelly (UL Bohemian), 14 Lynne Cantwell (UL Bohemian), 15 Sarah Jane Belton (UL Bohemian) C. Replacements: 16 Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemian), 17 Yvonne Nolan (Blackrock), 18 Louise Austin (Blackrock), 19 Sinead Ryan (Blackrock), 20 Louise Beamish (UL Bohemian), 21 Niamh Briggs (Clonmel), 22 Amy Davis (Cooke).
Tries: Nolan
Conversions: Davitt
Penalities:
Referee: Andrew Healy (SRU)
Half-time score: 10-0
by Julia Hutton
England A Women fail to get the better of Nomads
England A 15 Nomads 24
England A Women had to settle for second best against the Nomads after a 15-24 defeat at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury, on Saturday.
Mike Barnett’s side were unable to overcome their more experienced rivals again after they were also beaten 27-12 by the Nomads in February.
Once again the Nomads were at full strength with a side that boasted 892 international caps between them and 11 players who have all captained their country.
Barnett was, however, satisfied that his young side had moved forward since their last meeting. He said: “There was a definite improvement here today. The girls went into the game with a lot more confidence and I was really pleased with the way we started the game. The Nomads came back at us though and managed to put us on the back-foot going into the second half.
“Overall though this was another good test and I would much rather have a tough game against the Nomads than an easy outing. The players will learn a lot from these games and that is what they need if they are then going to play for England.”
England started the clash at a terrific pace and were unlucky not to score in their first attack of the game. But England’s momentum continued and after a scrum on the right wing the ball was recycled out to the left and Guest set-up Rae to score on just two minutes. Rae missed the conversion.
The Nomads immediately hit back and former England captain Jo Yapp was unlucky not to score when she was held up at the line. It didn’t matter for the visitors though, who drew level on 20 minutes with Scottish fullback Lucy Millard touching down thanks to some good play between half backs Yapp and Susie Appleby.
The Nomads also missed the conversion and England clawed their way to a 8-5 lead with a penalty from Rae, though that lead was short lived with Appleby handing the Nomads a 12-8 lead. This time a scrum in England’s 22 saw the ball picked up and Yapp set-up Appleby to score. Former England fly-half Karen Andrew converted.
Matters worsened for England with the loss of Sam Dale to the sin-bin and the Nomads duly took advantage with Scotland No. 8 Donna Kennedy breaking loose from another scrum. With Andrew converting the Nomads led 19-8 at half-time.
Kennedy then continued where she had left off after the break with England still a player down when she touched down for her second try.
England were not down hearted though and refused to give up. On 45 minutes Wasps lock Natalie Binstead put England back in contention. The score came following a great break by Georgina Roberts. She off loaded in the tackle to Emily Scarratt who was pulled down just short of the line. England retained possession though and the ball was recycled out to Binstead who went over to score. Rae added the conversion and with England failing to break the Nomads line again, they had to settle for the 15-24 defeat.
England A
1 Claire Purdy (Wasps) (C), 2 Samantha Dale (Worcester), 3 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield), 4 Sara Anastasi (Richmond), 5 Natalie Binstead (Wasps), 6 Gemma Sharples (Worcester), 7 Jane Leonard (Wasps/Army), 8 Sonia Green (Saracens), 9 Sarah Guest (Worcester), 10 Shelley Rae (Wasps), 11 Fiona Pocock (Richmond), 12 Charlotte Boggis (Exeter University), 13 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 14 Francesca Matthews (Richmond), 15 Vicki Jackson (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Samantha Jamieson (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 17 Monica Lewinska (Clifton), 18 Alexandra Stevens (Lichfield), 19 Lois Moulding (Lichfield), 20 Karina Page (Old Albanian Saints), 21 Tina Lee (Clifton), 22 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
Tries: Rae, Binstead
Conversions: Rae
Penalties: Rae
Substitutions: Jamieson for Green (36), Green for Jamieson (46), Lee for Boggis & Scarratt for Jackson (49), Stevens for Anastasi (49), Moulding for Sharples (49), Jamieson for Dale (55), Page for Pocock (65), Lewinska for Crowley (70).
Nomads
1 Leslie Cripps (C) (Canada), 2 Ann O'Flynn (England), 3 Vanessa Gray (England), 4 Mara Moberg (Netherlands), 5 Jenny Lynne (England), 6 Georgia Stevens (England), 7 Helen Clayton (England), 8 Donna Kennedy (Scotland), 9 Joanne Yapp (England), 10 Karen Andrew (England), 11Sue Day (VC) (England), 12 Sarah Ulmer (Canada), 13 Rimma Pettlevania (Scotland), 14 Sarah Marsh (England), 15 Lucy Millard (Scotland). Replacements: 16 Maxine Edwards (England), 17 Phillipa Crews (England A), 18 Eryka Wessell (Ireland), 19 Lauran Englebretsen (New Zealand), 20 Susie Appleby (England), 21 Assunta de Biase (England), 22 Nicky Milne (Ireland).
Tries: Millard, Appleby, Kennedy (2),
Conversions: Andrew (2)
Penalties:
Half-time score: England A 8 Nomads 19
Referee: Claire Hodnett
by Julia Hutton
England A Women had to settle for second best against the Nomads after a 15-24 defeat at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury, on Saturday.
Mike Barnett’s side were unable to overcome their more experienced rivals again after they were also beaten 27-12 by the Nomads in February.
Once again the Nomads were at full strength with a side that boasted 892 international caps between them and 11 players who have all captained their country.
Barnett was, however, satisfied that his young side had moved forward since their last meeting. He said: “There was a definite improvement here today. The girls went into the game with a lot more confidence and I was really pleased with the way we started the game. The Nomads came back at us though and managed to put us on the back-foot going into the second half.
“Overall though this was another good test and I would much rather have a tough game against the Nomads than an easy outing. The players will learn a lot from these games and that is what they need if they are then going to play for England.”
England started the clash at a terrific pace and were unlucky not to score in their first attack of the game. But England’s momentum continued and after a scrum on the right wing the ball was recycled out to the left and Guest set-up Rae to score on just two minutes. Rae missed the conversion.
The Nomads immediately hit back and former England captain Jo Yapp was unlucky not to score when she was held up at the line. It didn’t matter for the visitors though, who drew level on 20 minutes with Scottish fullback Lucy Millard touching down thanks to some good play between half backs Yapp and Susie Appleby.
The Nomads also missed the conversion and England clawed their way to a 8-5 lead with a penalty from Rae, though that lead was short lived with Appleby handing the Nomads a 12-8 lead. This time a scrum in England’s 22 saw the ball picked up and Yapp set-up Appleby to score. Former England fly-half Karen Andrew converted.
Matters worsened for England with the loss of Sam Dale to the sin-bin and the Nomads duly took advantage with Scotland No. 8 Donna Kennedy breaking loose from another scrum. With Andrew converting the Nomads led 19-8 at half-time.
Kennedy then continued where she had left off after the break with England still a player down when she touched down for her second try.
England were not down hearted though and refused to give up. On 45 minutes Wasps lock Natalie Binstead put England back in contention. The score came following a great break by Georgina Roberts. She off loaded in the tackle to Emily Scarratt who was pulled down just short of the line. England retained possession though and the ball was recycled out to Binstead who went over to score. Rae added the conversion and with England failing to break the Nomads line again, they had to settle for the 15-24 defeat.
England A
1 Claire Purdy (Wasps) (C), 2 Samantha Dale (Worcester), 3 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield), 4 Sara Anastasi (Richmond), 5 Natalie Binstead (Wasps), 6 Gemma Sharples (Worcester), 7 Jane Leonard (Wasps/Army), 8 Sonia Green (Saracens), 9 Sarah Guest (Worcester), 10 Shelley Rae (Wasps), 11 Fiona Pocock (Richmond), 12 Charlotte Boggis (Exeter University), 13 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 14 Francesca Matthews (Richmond), 15 Vicki Jackson (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Samantha Jamieson (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 17 Monica Lewinska (Clifton), 18 Alexandra Stevens (Lichfield), 19 Lois Moulding (Lichfield), 20 Karina Page (Old Albanian Saints), 21 Tina Lee (Clifton), 22 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
Tries: Rae, Binstead
Conversions: Rae
Penalties: Rae
Substitutions: Jamieson for Green (36), Green for Jamieson (46), Lee for Boggis & Scarratt for Jackson (49), Stevens for Anastasi (49), Moulding for Sharples (49), Jamieson for Dale (55), Page for Pocock (65), Lewinska for Crowley (70).
Nomads
1 Leslie Cripps (C) (Canada), 2 Ann O'Flynn (England), 3 Vanessa Gray (England), 4 Mara Moberg (Netherlands), 5 Jenny Lynne (England), 6 Georgia Stevens (England), 7 Helen Clayton (England), 8 Donna Kennedy (Scotland), 9 Joanne Yapp (England), 10 Karen Andrew (England), 11Sue Day (VC) (England), 12 Sarah Ulmer (Canada), 13 Rimma Pettlevania (Scotland), 14 Sarah Marsh (England), 15 Lucy Millard (Scotland). Replacements: 16 Maxine Edwards (England), 17 Phillipa Crews (England A), 18 Eryka Wessell (Ireland), 19 Lauran Englebretsen (New Zealand), 20 Susie Appleby (England), 21 Assunta de Biase (England), 22 Nicky Milne (Ireland).
Tries: Millard, Appleby, Kennedy (2),
Conversions: Andrew (2)
Penalties:
Half-time score: England A 8 Nomads 19
Referee: Claire Hodnett
by Julia Hutton
Friday, 14 March 2008
England Women’s rugby team do Sport Relief
The England Women’s rugby team will be doing their bit for charity this weekend when they run the Sport Relief Mile.
The reigning champions, who hope to secure an unprecedented third consecutive RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam on Saturday when they play Ireland at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury, kick-off 445pm, will have little time-off after the match before running the Sport Relief Mile on Sunday at London’s Victoria Embankment.
After a long, hard and physical five weeks of Six Nations action, which has seen the girls so far see off challenges from Wales, Italy, France and Scotland, the girls will have to pick themselves up for one final hurdle.
England Women’s captain and Worcester No. 8 Catherine Spencer said: “I think that the Sport Relief charity is fantastic as it reaches out and helps so many groups and individuals. The Mile also means that many people can contribute to the charity. It will be a great day when people from many different backgrounds, sporting and non-sporting, can come together for one cause.
"I know that the England team are really looking forward to joining in with the Sport Relief Mile; as sportswomen it is a charity that we fully support. We’ll have played a full international match on Saturday so it will be tough to drag our bodies round the course on Sunday but I am sure that the atmosphere on the day will spur us on.”
by Julia Hutton
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Grand Slam beckons
England Women are still on course for a record breaking third straight Grand Slam. That would be made all the better by people making their way to Sunbury to support the girls this coming Saturday. If you want to see and England team that run the ball then come along to
London Irish RFC
The Avenue
Sunbury-on-Thames
Middlesex TW16 5EQ
England A kick off at 3:00pm
followed by England versus Ireland kick-off 4:45pm
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Maggie Returns
Saracens Flanker Maggie Alphonsi returns to the open side for England in Saturdays closing Six Nations game.
England Women one game away from Six Nations Grand Slam crown
Scotland 5 England 34
England Women are just one game away from claiming an unprecedented third consecutive RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam crown after a convincing 34-5 victory against Scotland today.
The reigning champions, who’ve already defeated Wales, Italy and France in style, ran in six tries including two for Wasps winger Michaela Staniford. Henley’s Rochelle Clark, Worcester’s Katherine Merchant, Saracens’ Claire Allan and Clifton’s Danielle Waterman were also on the score-sheet.
On a rain-soaked Meggetland Stadium pitch England had to wait 14 minutes to break the duck and that score came courtesy of Staniford. The Wasps back was on the end of a well worked line-out, catch and drive which then saw the ball recycled out through the centres and on to Staniford. Richmond’s Alice Richardson converted.
11 minutes later and Henley prop Clark claimed the first touchdown for the England forwards. The loose-head capitalised on England’s pressure on Scotland’s line and hit a ruck to drive over and score. Richardson failed with the conversion, but it didn’t matter with Staniford handing the tourists a 17-0 lead at half-time after the wing battled her way through two defenders to score under the posts.
After the break Scotland had their chances and made the most of it with a 43rd minute try. A missed tackle by England cost them dear and lock Lindsay Wheeler made a big break through the midfield. She was tackled just short of the line by Staniford, but prop Heather Lockhart picked up and drove over the line.
That was where Scotland’s charge ended though and Worcester wing Katherine Merchant soon put England back on track with a 46th minute try after a nice pass from Victoria Massarella from the back of a ruck.
England then brought on the re-enforcements, bringing on five substitutions in quick successions and handing a debut to Natalie Binstead. Saracens’ Allan, playing at fullback, made an immediate impact scoring within two minutes of being on the pitch. A well-worked line-out led to a midfield attack and Allan ran in the try. This time replacement fly-half Katy McLean converted.
Clifton wing Waterman then rounded off proceedings for England with a 70th minute touchdown. Scotland paid the price for a poor clearance kick, which skipper Catherine Spencer charged down and forward Amy Garnett then popped the ball out to Waterman on the wing to make the final score 34-5.
Head Coach Gary Street said: “Today has been a good day. The conditions weren’t kind to us and I think they acted as a bit of an equaliser. For us, it was also useful to blood two new caps and try out some new combinations on the pitch.
“Scotland indeed raised their game today and defended furiously. This was one of our tougher fixtures this season though we know now that we will have to raise our game again ahead of next Saturday’s Grand Slam Championship decider against Ireland at London Irish ARFC.”
England
1 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 2 Emma Layland (Richmond), 3 Katy Storie (Blaydon Team Northumbria), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Jane Leonard (Wasps/Army), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 10 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 11 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 12 Rachael Burford (Saracens), 13 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 15 Victoria Massarella (Saracens). Replacements: 16 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 17 Claire Purdy (Wasps), 18 Natalie Binstead (Wasps), 20 Danielle Waterman (Clifton), 21 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 22 Claire Allan (Saracens)
* Karen Jones was withdrawn from the bench due to illness
Tries: Staniford (2), Clark, Merchant, Allan, Waterman
Conversions: Richardson, McLean
Penalties:
Substitutions: Binstead for Hunter (40), Allan for Massarella, Waterman for Staniford, McLean for Burford, Garnett for Leonard (all 50), Purdy for Storie (60).
Scotland
1 Heather Lockhart, 2 Sarah-Louise Walker, 3 Jilly McCord, 4 Lana Blyth, 5
Lindsay Wheeler, 6 Louise Moffat, 7 Lynne Reid, 8 Sonia Cull, 9 Sarah Gill, 10 Erin Kerr, 11 Tanya Griffith, 12 Suzi Newton, 13 Veronica Fitzpatrick, 14 Cara D'Silva, 15 Lynsey Douglas. Replacements: 16 Joan Hutchison, 17 Beth Dickens, 18 Mary Lafaiki, 19 Keri Holdsworth, 20 Louise Dalgliesh, 21 Laura Steven, 22 Julie Sanaghan.
Tries: Lockhart
Conversions:
Penalties:
Half-time score: Scotland 0 England 17
Referee : David Bodilly (WRU)
TJ1 : Luis Arola
TJ2 : Graeme Marshall
4th Off. : Graham Allen
5th Off. : Johann van der Merwe
by Julia Hutton
England Women name experienced team for RBS 6 Nations championship finale
England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street has named his most experienced team for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations championship finale against Ireland at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury, kick-off 445pm.
Street, whose side head into the clash on course to record an unprecedented third consecutive Grand Slam in Six Nations history has made six changes to the starting line-up following England’s 34-5 victory against Scotland on Saturday.
Saracens hooker Amy Garnett returns to the front-row with Richmond’s Emma Layland moving to the bench. Her club teammate Maggie Alphonsi is also back in at flanker after injury, replacing Jane Leonard. Katy McLean starts at fly-half with Clifton’s Danielle Waterman also back on the wing. England’s top try scorer in the championship so far this season, Claire Allan, also starts in the centre with Saracens’ Charlotte Barras back in at full-back.
Street said: “This is my most experienced team and the side that clinched a record away win against France last month. For us, this is just another game. We are not thinking about the Grand Slam or the Six Nations title. That has been our approach throughout the championship and that certainly isn’t about to change. We know Ireland are very competitive opposition so we will have to be at the top of our game.”
England last played Ireland in the RBS 6 Nations a year ago and won 32-0 at Thomand Park. Ireland go into this game with two wins from four outings under their belts after a disappointing defeat to Wales at the weekend.
Street added: “I was surprised to see Ireland lose to Wales. I have been impressed with what they have been doing over the years so one disappointing defeat is not going to change my opinion of them. This is the last game of the championship and it’s their chance to claim a major scalp. They’ll certainly be out to make a statement.”
England
1 Rochelle Clark (Henley)
2 Amy Garnett (Saracens)
3 Katy Storie (Blaydon Team Northumbria)
4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps)
6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield)
7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens)
8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester)
9 Amy Turner (Richmond)
10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
11 Danielle Waterman (Clifton)
12 Rachael Burford (Saracens)
13 Claire Allan (Saracens)
14 Michaela Staniford (Wasps)
15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens)
Replacements:
16 Emma Layland (Richmond)
17 Sophie Hemming (Clifton)
18 Sarah Beale (Leos)
19 Karen Jones (Richmond)
20 Alice Richardson (Richmond)
21 Katherine Merchant (Worcester)
22 Victoria Massarella (Saracens)
England Women name experienced team for RBS 6 Nations championship finale
by Julia Hutton
England Women’s A team announced for Nomads clash
by Julia Hutton
England A welcome back Claire Purdy, Natalie Binstead, Jane Leonard, Samantha Dale and Georgina Roberts for Saturday’s match against the Nomads at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury, kick-off 3pm.
The five players have all ran out for England in this season’s RBS 6 Nations with Wasps lock Binstead and Darlington Mowden Park Sharks centre Roberts making their England debuts against Scotland last week. Samantha Dale also earned her first England cap against Italy, while Leonard has been involved in the games against Wales, Italy and Scotland.
England A last took on the Nomads in February and lost 27-12 to an experienced outfit that boasted 854 international caps between them. Since then England A have bounced back and enjoyed wins over Spain (22-5) and France A (3-0).
With two consecutive wins under their belts England A Head Coach Mike Barnett is hoping his side can this time turn the tables around. He said: “The last time we played the Nomads the obvious difference between the two sides was experience. We were quite a young side, but now we are going into this game with more experience under our belts.
“Not only have we played two games since then, but we have five players who have had a taste of what it’s like to be capped at international level and they will certainly be wanting to impress again to get another taste of it.
“Shelley Rae, who was not available for the first Nomads game, is also back at fly-half and she too will add vital experience. At the other end of the scale there is also a call-up for England Under 20s player Emily Scarratt. She is just 18-years-old but is already proving to be a real talent so deserves her chance.
“Overall though, we are certainly a better team than we were a month ago with wins against France A and Spain to speak of. Those victories will certainly give us more confidence as we go into another tough game against the Nomads. This time we need to play with more maturity for the full 80 minutes and if we can do that I think we will give a much better account of ourselves.”
England A
1 Claire Purdy Wasps (C)
2 Samantha Dale Worcester
3 Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
4 Sara Anastasi Richmond
5 Natalie Binstead Wasps
6 Gemma Sharples Worcester
7 Jane Leonard Wasps/Army
8 Sonia Green Saracens
9 Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
10 Shelley Rae Wasps
11 Fiona Pocock Richmond
12 Charlotte Boggis Exeter University
13 Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
14 Francesca Matthews Richmond
15 Vicki Jackson Lichfield
Replacements:
16 Samantha Jamieson Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
17 Monica Lewinska Clifton
18 Alexandra Stevens Lichfield
19 Lois Moulding Lichfield
20 Sarah Guest Worcester
21 Tina Lee Clifton
22 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Injury hands Leonard England spot
She replaces Saracens' Maggie Alphonsi, who was injured at the weekend.
Leonard is one of a handful of changes, with centre Georgina Roberts set to make her debut.
Last year reigning champions England won 60-0 but coach Gary Street warned: "They are certainly going to be more competitive this year."
England: V Massarella (Saracens); K Merchant (Worcester), G Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park), R Burford (Saracens), M Staniford (Wasps); A Richardson (Richmond), A Turner (Richmond); R Clark (Henley), E Layland (Richmond), K Storie (Blaydon Team Northumbria), T Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park), J McGilchrist (Wasps), S Hunter (Lichfield), J Leonard (Wasps/Army), C Spencer (capt, Worcester).
Replacements: A Garnett (Saracens), C Purdy (Wasps), N Binstead (Wasps), K Jones (Richmond), D Waterman (Clifton), K McLean (Darlington Mowden Park), C Allan (Saracens).
Monday, 3 March 2008
England Women see off France with record away win
England Women demolished their arch-rivals France in the RBS 6 Nations on Saturday with a record away win, triumphing 31-0 in Bergerac.
France 0 England 31England Women demolished their arch-rivals France in the RBS 6 Nations on Saturday with a record away win, triumphing 31-0 in Bergerac.
The reigning Grand Slam champions pocketed an impressive five try victory on French turf, with Claire Allan, Tamara Talyor, Catherine Spencer and Sarah Beale, who crossed twice, all touching down.
The victory keeps the England team firmly on track to retain their title with wins over Wales and Italy already in the bag.
England Head Coach Gary Street said: “I am so proud of the team. This is a fabulous result. The will and desire the team displayed today was outstanding. The team were led superbly by Catherine Spencer and everyone refused to let France cross and I think our opponents became demoralised by that.
“Some people will say the title in now in the bag for us, but as far as we are concerned we have won three games but we have not got any silverware to show for it yet. There are two games still to go and there is no way Scotland or Ireland are going to roll away and let us get our hands on the trophy without a serious battle.”
England began their French encounter starting as they meant to go on with Saracen centre Allan adding to her already impressive try tally this season with a touchdown in the first minute. A French knock-on immediately after the kick-off handed England an early scrum and with Allan cutting inside after a clever pass from Katy McLean, the pacey back ran in to score. Fly-half McLean converted.
England’s forwards then had their chance to put some points on the board after the tourists turned-over a scrum and the ball was switched out-side on to the left wing for lock Taylor to touch down for the first time this season. McLean missed the conversion, but the two tries were enough to hand England a comfortable 12 point cushion at the break after a missed penalty attempt at goal for France.
The hosts made some changes after the restart but their re-enforcements could not halt the committed English women, and France soon paid the price when they lost Mélanie Gauffinet to the sin-bin. England immediately took their chances with a five metre scrum and skipper Spencer powered her way over the line for her side’s third touchdown.
England also made some changes in the last quarter of the game and they soon benefitted from the fresh legs with Leos lock Beale grabbing the first of her two tries after just 60 seconds of being on the field thanks to a break by Maggie Alphonsi in the mid-field. Richmond fly-half Alice Richardson, another replacement, converted to give England a 24-0 lead.
Beale then had the final word in the closing stages of the game as France crumbled under the pressure with the forward cleanly taking a line-out, catch and drive to touch down. Richardson added the conversion handing England the 31-0 victory. England’s RBS 6 Nations campaign continues in Scotland in two weeks time.
England
1 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Katy Storie (Blaydon), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 11 Danielle Waterman (Clifton), 12 Rachael Burford (Saracens), 13 Claire Allan (Saracens), 14 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens). Replacements: 16 Emma Layland (Richmond), 17 Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 18 Sarah Beale (Leos), 19 Karen Jones (Richmond), 20 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 21 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 22 Victoria Massarella (Saracens)
Tries: Allan, Taylor, Spencer, Beale (2)
Conversions: McLean, Richardson (2)
Penalties:
Substitutions: Richardson for McLean (46), Beale for McGilchrist (68), Merchant for Waterman (68), Jones for Hunter (72), Massarella for Barras (73), Hemming for Clark (73), Layland for Alphonsi (73).
Wales crumble under England pressure in Women’s RBS 6 Nations opener
February 2nd, 2008
England 55 Wales 0
Reigning RBS 6 Nations champions England Women sent out a clear message today (Saturday) when they inflicted a dominating 55-0 defeat on Wales in the opening game of the championship at London Irish RFC.
Gary Street’s side, aiming to secure an unprecedented third consecutive Grand Slam win in six nations history, ran in a massive nine tries and also slammed the door firmly shut on their rivals. The win hands England their seventh victory in eight outings on the bounce where they have not conceded a single point.
Saracens centre Claire Allan was at the forefront of England’s attack and claimed a hat-trick of tries, while Saracen teammate Charlotte Barras, England captain Catherine Spencer, Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter, Wasps duo Michaela Staniford and Jane Leonard and Worcester’s Katherine Merchant all added to the score sheet.
England started the game well, putting immediate pressure on Wales but the visitors held out until the 20 minute when fullback Barras broke England’s duck. The Saracens flyer made the most of some good work by England which saw the ball passed through Amy Turner, Katy McLean and Rachel Burford before Barras pounced on the ball to dive over the line. McLean converted.
Seven minutes later and skipper Spencer had her chance. With England camped in Wales’ 22, England’s strong pack drove forward and Spencer broke away on the open-side to muscle her way over the line.
On 30 minutes flanker Hunter put England 17-0 up when Wales crumbled under the pressure of another high ball, which their fullback Non Evans failed to secure. Staniford instead took possession before popping out the ball to Hunter. McLean was again successful with the conversion.
Centre Allan then rounded off the first-half with her first touchdown of the afternoon after a great phase of play by England. Clifton’s Danielle Waterman made a good break, setting up a series of passes between McLean, Hunter and Maggie Alphonsi. The ball was then recycled after a lovely touch by Burford which saw her help put away Allan for a 24-0 lead at the break.
After the restart the one way traffic continued and Allan started off where she had left off claiming her second try. Again the pack were at the forefront driving the ball forward deep into Wales’ 22. The ball was then recycled out to the left wing with Barras feeding Allan who side-stepped her way through Wales’ defence to score. McLean added conversion number three.
On 56 minutes Staniford made the most of some great play from England and when the ball was cleared from the ruck England again had their chances and Staniford touched down to take the home side 36 points clear.
England then rolled on the substitutes and they played their part. A break by replacement fly-half Alice Richardson set pacey centre Allan free on the left wing and she touched down with ease to claim her hat-trick.
Richardson missed the conversion but she was soon successful with the boot. The Richmond number 10 converted a 66th minute try for replacement Kat Merchant, who rounded off a fantastic 50 metre try for England that saw three players involved before Merchant made the try line. Backrow replacement Jane Leonard then had the final say for England with a 73rd minute try that saw Wales unable to stop the powerful Army and Wasps player making the final score 55-0.
England Head Coach Street said: “We are very pleased with this performance. It’s a great way to start the six nations. Wales had talked up what they were going to do to us all week where as we did our talking on the pitch. We have now played seven games out of eight without conceding a single point and I think that speaks volumes about our defence while our attack is also firing on all cylinders with nine tries here today.
“The next game is against Italy away and that is going to be a tough match. They gave us a hard game at Twickenham a year ago in this championship and we will be expecting more of the same on Saturday in Rome.”
England
1 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Katy Storie (Blaydon), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 11 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 12 Rachael Burford (Saracens), 13 Claire Allan (Saracens), 14 Danielle Waterman (Clifton), 15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens). Replacements: 16 Emma Layland (Richmond), 17 Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 18 Sarah Beale (Leos), 19 Jane Leonard (Wasps/Army), 20 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 21 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 22 Victoria Massarella (Saracens)
Tries: Barras (20), Spencer (27), Hunter (30), Allan (35, 46, 63), Staniford (56), Merchant (66), Leonard (73).
Conversions: McLean (3), Richardson (2).
Penalties:
Substitutions: Layland for Garnett, Richardson for McLean, Beale for McGilchrist, Massarella for Barras, Merchant for Waterman (all 56 mins), Hemming for Clark (67), Leonard for Alphonsi (67)
Wales:
1 Louise Horgan, 2 Rhian Bowden, 3 Jenny Davies, 4 Gemma Hallett, 5 Claire Donovan, 6 Catrina Nicholas, 7 Nicola Evans, 8 Mellissa Berry (C), 9 Amy Day, 10 Naomi Thomas, 11 Hayley Baxter, 12 Clare Flowers (VC), 13 Rachel Poolman, 14 Louise Rickard, 15 Non Evans. Replacements: 16 Claire Horgan, 17 Ruth Evans, 18 Rachel Taylor, 19 Jenny Doyle, 20 Laura Prosser, 21 Awen Thomas, 22 Michaela Reed.
Referee: Christine Bigaran
Touch judge 1: Paul Stanley
Touch judge 2: Deborah Innes
Assessor: David Warren
Number 4: Ed Turnill
England Women run in 12 tries in RBS 6 Nations Italy win
England 76 Italy 6
England Women racked up a cricket score victory against Italy in the second round of the RBS 6 Nations on Saturday at the Stadio Tre Fontane in Rome.
Gary Street’s side ran in a massive 12 ties to claim their second win on the bounce as they stay on track in their bid to win a third and unprecedented Glam Slam win in six nations history.
Saracens fullback Charlotte Barras, Clifton wing Danielle Waterman and Worcester wing Katherine Merchant all claimed braces of tries, while Henley prop Rochelle Clark, Saracens flanker Maggie Alphonsi, Wasps wing Michaela Staniford and Wasps forwards Jane Leonard and Jo McGilchrist also claimed touchdowns. Between fly-halves Alice Richardson and Katy McLean, they kicked eight conversions and 16 points.
Italy, however, were the team to draw first blood and did so with a drop goal from fly-half Veronica Schiavon after just three minutes. The early points on the board didn’t rattle England though and prop Clark got the tourist off the mark with an 8th minute try after a quick tap penalty saw scrum-half Amy Turner set-up Clark who ploughed her way over the line. Richardson converted.
On ten and 22 minutes Barras claimed her two touchdowns, which saw the Saracens fullback take an excellent solo score while Sarah Beale set her up for her second.
On 28 minutes Saracens’ Maggie Alphonsi claimed her first try of the season when Staniford off-loaded to Claire Allan and then Alphonsi who ran in easily for a great support try. Richardson again converted.
Waterman claimed the first of her two tries on 30 minutes before Staniford handed England a 40-3 lead at half-time when a perfectly executed Richardson cross-field kick saw the Wasps winger gather up and touch down.
Italy clawed back a penalty immediately after the restart when England were a player down with the sin-binning of Waterman, but with the defending champions pulling on the reserves, making six changes at once, the fresh legs soon paid dividends.
Super-sub Merchant claimed the first of her two tries which saw her score from 50 metres out on her first touch of the ball and also out-class three of Italy’s defenders. McLean then converted.
Wasps and Army player Leonard then had her chance when the ball, after several phases of play, was offloaded by Katy Storie to Leonard to score on 57 minutes.
Just moments later and Massarella had her chance on 61 minutes when the ball was kept alive through contact and Leonard unselfishly set-up the Saracens fullback. McLean again converted.
Another substitute Jo McGilchrist then claimed her first score after an excellent finish form 30 metres out, before Merchant and Waterman finished off proceedings with their second tries to record a 76-6 win on Italian soil.
England Head Coach Street said: “This is a really pleasing performance that saw several flashes of excellent play. What was especially pleasing was the continuity of play which kept the ball alive and enabled us to score so many tries.
“Again, we made some errors which we must improve on but after a closely fought game against the Italian a year ago I am really pleased with this result.”
England
1 Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Sarah Beale (Leos), 6 Karen Jones (Richmond), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 10 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 11 Danielle Waterman (Clifton), 12 Rachael Burford (Saracens), 13 Claire Allan (Saracens), 14 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens). Replacements: Samantha Dale (Worcester), 17 Katy Storie (Blaydon), 18 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 19 Jane Leonard (Wasps/Army), 20 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 21 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 22 Victoria Massarella (Saracens). Head Coach Gary Street, Assistant Coach Graham Smith.
Tries: Clark, Barras (2), Alphonsi, Waterman (2), Staniford, Merchant (2), Leonard, Masseralla, McGilchrist.
Conversions: Richardson (5), McLean (3)
Penalties:
Substitutions: Leonard for Alphonsi, McLean for Richardson, Storie for Clark, Massarella for Barras, Merchant for Staniford, McGilchrist for Spencer (all 52 mins), Dale for Garnett (61).
Italy
1 SANFILIPPO MARIA (RED & BLU RUGBY RUGBY ASD), 2 CUCCHIELLA ELISA (UTENSILERIA LE LUPE PIACENZA), 3 SEVERIN FLAVIA (BENETTON RUGBY TREVISO), 4 BARBINI MARTINA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 5 FABBRI LARA (ASD RUGBY MONZA 1949), 6 CAMPANELLA GIULIANA (ASD GRAZIA DELEDDA CAGLIARI), 7 PETTINELLI SARA (RED & BLU RUGBY RUGBY ASD), 8 GAUDINO SILVIA (ASD RUGBY MONZA 1949), 9 SCHIAVON VALENTINA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 10 SCHIAVON VERONICA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 11 MARIANI ANNA (RED & BLU RUGBY RUGBY ASD), 12 ZANGIROLAMI PAOLA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 13 PIZZATI SILVIA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 14 CARLET FEDERICA (BENETTON RUGBY TREVISO), 15 TONDINELLI MICHELA (BENETTON RUGBY TREVISO), 16 MESTRINER ALESSANDRA (L'ORSO RUGBY CLUB ASD), 17 CERADINI VERONICA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 18 PETESE GRETA (ASD RUGBY MONZA 1949), 19 STEFAN LICIA (BENETTON RUGBY TREVISO), 20 GINI DANIELA (RED & BLU RUGBY RUGBY ASD), 21 BRATUSCH GIULIA (ASD CIDIESSE RUGBY PESARO), 22 PAGLI SAMANTHA (UTENSILERIA LE LUPE PIACENZA).
Tries:
Conversions:
Penalties: ZANGIROLAMI PAOLA
Drop Goals: SCHIAVON VERONICA
Referee: Leighton Hodges
England Women racked up a cricket score victory against Italy in the second round of the RBS 6 Nations on Saturday at the Stadio Tre Fontane in Rome.
Gary Street’s side ran in a massive 12 ties to claim their second win on the bounce as they stay on track in their bid to win a third and unprecedented Glam Slam win in six nations history.
Saracens fullback Charlotte Barras, Clifton wing Danielle Waterman and Worcester wing Katherine Merchant all claimed braces of tries, while Henley prop Rochelle Clark, Saracens flanker Maggie Alphonsi, Wasps wing Michaela Staniford and Wasps forwards Jane Leonard and Jo McGilchrist also claimed touchdowns. Between fly-halves Alice Richardson and Katy McLean, they kicked eight conversions and 16 points.
Italy, however, were the team to draw first blood and did so with a drop goal from fly-half Veronica Schiavon after just three minutes. The early points on the board didn’t rattle England though and prop Clark got the tourist off the mark with an 8th minute try after a quick tap penalty saw scrum-half Amy Turner set-up Clark who ploughed her way over the line. Richardson converted.
On ten and 22 minutes Barras claimed her two touchdowns, which saw the Saracens fullback take an excellent solo score while Sarah Beale set her up for her second.
On 28 minutes Saracens’ Maggie Alphonsi claimed her first try of the season when Staniford off-loaded to Claire Allan and then Alphonsi who ran in easily for a great support try. Richardson again converted.
Waterman claimed the first of her two tries on 30 minutes before Staniford handed England a 40-3 lead at half-time when a perfectly executed Richardson cross-field kick saw the Wasps winger gather up and touch down.
Italy clawed back a penalty immediately after the restart when England were a player down with the sin-binning of Waterman, but with the defending champions pulling on the reserves, making six changes at once, the fresh legs soon paid dividends.
Super-sub Merchant claimed the first of her two tries which saw her score from 50 metres out on her first touch of the ball and also out-class three of Italy’s defenders. McLean then converted.
Wasps and Army player Leonard then had her chance when the ball, after several phases of play, was offloaded by Katy Storie to Leonard to score on 57 minutes.
Just moments later and Massarella had her chance on 61 minutes when the ball was kept alive through contact and Leonard unselfishly set-up the Saracens fullback. McLean again converted.
Another substitute Jo McGilchrist then claimed her first score after an excellent finish form 30 metres out, before Merchant and Waterman finished off proceedings with their second tries to record a 76-6 win on Italian soil.
England Head Coach Street said: “This is a really pleasing performance that saw several flashes of excellent play. What was especially pleasing was the continuity of play which kept the ball alive and enabled us to score so many tries.
“Again, we made some errors which we must improve on but after a closely fought game against the Italian a year ago I am really pleased with this result.”
England
1 Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Sarah Beale (Leos), 6 Karen Jones (Richmond), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 10 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 11 Danielle Waterman (Clifton), 12 Rachael Burford (Saracens), 13 Claire Allan (Saracens), 14 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens). Replacements: Samantha Dale (Worcester), 17 Katy Storie (Blaydon), 18 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 19 Jane Leonard (Wasps/Army), 20 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 21 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 22 Victoria Massarella (Saracens). Head Coach Gary Street, Assistant Coach Graham Smith.
Tries: Clark, Barras (2), Alphonsi, Waterman (2), Staniford, Merchant (2), Leonard, Masseralla, McGilchrist.
Conversions: Richardson (5), McLean (3)
Penalties:
Substitutions: Leonard for Alphonsi, McLean for Richardson, Storie for Clark, Massarella for Barras, Merchant for Staniford, McGilchrist for Spencer (all 52 mins), Dale for Garnett (61).
Italy
1 SANFILIPPO MARIA (RED & BLU RUGBY RUGBY ASD), 2 CUCCHIELLA ELISA (UTENSILERIA LE LUPE PIACENZA), 3 SEVERIN FLAVIA (BENETTON RUGBY TREVISO), 4 BARBINI MARTINA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 5 FABBRI LARA (ASD RUGBY MONZA 1949), 6 CAMPANELLA GIULIANA (ASD GRAZIA DELEDDA CAGLIARI), 7 PETTINELLI SARA (RED & BLU RUGBY RUGBY ASD), 8 GAUDINO SILVIA (ASD RUGBY MONZA 1949), 9 SCHIAVON VALENTINA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 10 SCHIAVON VERONICA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 11 MARIANI ANNA (RED & BLU RUGBY RUGBY ASD), 12 ZANGIROLAMI PAOLA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 13 PIZZATI SILVIA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 14 CARLET FEDERICA (BENETTON RUGBY TREVISO), 15 TONDINELLI MICHELA (BENETTON RUGBY TREVISO), 16 MESTRINER ALESSANDRA (L'ORSO RUGBY CLUB ASD), 17 CERADINI VERONICA (SITAM RIVIERA DEL BRENTA), 18 PETESE GRETA (ASD RUGBY MONZA 1949), 19 STEFAN LICIA (BENETTON RUGBY TREVISO), 20 GINI DANIELA (RED & BLU RUGBY RUGBY ASD), 21 BRATUSCH GIULIA (ASD CIDIESSE RUGBY PESARO), 22 PAGLI SAMANTHA (UTENSILERIA LE LUPE PIACENZA).
Tries:
Conversions:
Penalties: ZANGIROLAMI PAOLA
Drop Goals: SCHIAVON VERONICA
Referee: Leighton Hodges
England Team to face Scotland
England Women's Team for Scotland By KATH 3/3/08 March 3 2008
England Women's Team to face Scotland Announced
March 8th Scotland v England
Meggetland Stadium, Edinburgh Kick Off 12pm.
England Women are on course for the Six Nations Grand Slam having beating Wales, Italy and France just two to go! We wish them the very best of luck..
England Women's team to face Scotland in RBS 6 Nations
England Women's Head Coach Gary Street has made eight changes to the team that defeated France in the RBS 6 Nations for this Saturday's penultimate match against Scotland at the Meggetland Stadium in Edinburgh, kick-off 12pm.
Richmond hooker Emma Layland and Saracens full back Vicky Massarella will get their first starts of this season's Six Nations campaign while Darlington Mowden Park Sharks centre Georgina Roberts will make her international debut. Wasps player Natalie Binstead could also earn her first cap for England if she is called off the bench.
Richmond's Alice Richardson will also start the game at fly-half with Katy McLean moving to the bench, while Wasps wing Michaela Staniford moves to the left wing in place of Danielle Waterman. Worcester's Katherine Merchant will now wear the number 14 jersey while Wasps prop Claire Purdy could earn her third cap if she too is called off the bench.
Street said: "I am really pleased to be able to name Claire Purdy, Natalie Binstead and Georgina Roberts in the 22. After a tough game against France A just over a week ago and generally a tough A season so far they have come through these games with flying colours and deserve this chance.
"I am also looking forward to seeing Emma Layland and Vicky Massarella starting for the first time in this season's RBS 6 Nations. They too have enjoyed a good season so far and deserve a start. It just shows the calibre of this squad and the strength in depth we have to be able to rest Charlotte Barras, Sarah Beale, Jane Leonard and Sophie Hemming, while still have a very strong bench with the likes of Amy Garnett, Danielle Waterman, Claire Allan and Katy McLean ready to come on if we need them."
As England get ready for their final away game of the championship, the reigning champions are still on track to record an unprecedented third consecutive Grand Slam in Six Nations history after convincing wins over Wales, Italy and France.
England last played Scotland a year ago in the RBS 6 Nations and came away with an impressive ten try, 60-0 victory at Old Albanians RFC. Street, however, says England shouldn't expect such an easy ride in Edinburgh this time around.
He added: "Last year I think we caught Scotland cold in the opening game of the championship. They are certainly going to be more competitive this year, especially as they are at home and we are going to have to be at our best to keep our winning streak going.
"Scotland had good games against France and Ireland and in both matches were leading at half-time, so we will have to keep them at bay in the first forty minutes as that is where they are going to be strong. I think those games will certainly give Scotland extra confidence as well as the added benefit of playing at home."
England
1 Rochelle Clark Henley
2 Emma Layland Richmond
3 Katy Storie Blaydon Team Northumbria
4 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
6 Sarah Hunter Lichfield
7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
8 Catherine Spencer (Captain) Worcester
9 Amy Turner Richmond 1
0 Alice Richardson Richmond
11 Michaela Staniford Wasps
12 Rachael Burford Saracens
13 Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
15 Victoria Massarella Saracens
Replacements:
16 Amy Garnett Saracens
17 Claire Purdy Wasps
18 Natalie Binstead Wasps
19 Karen Jones Richmond
20 Danielle Waterman Clifton
21 Katy McLean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
22 Claire Allan Saracens
Head Coach Gary Street
Assistant Coach Graham Smith
England Women's Team to face Scotland Announced
March 8th Scotland v England
Meggetland Stadium, Edinburgh Kick Off 12pm.
England Women are on course for the Six Nations Grand Slam having beating Wales, Italy and France just two to go! We wish them the very best of luck..
England Women's team to face Scotland in RBS 6 Nations
England Women's Head Coach Gary Street has made eight changes to the team that defeated France in the RBS 6 Nations for this Saturday's penultimate match against Scotland at the Meggetland Stadium in Edinburgh, kick-off 12pm.
Richmond hooker Emma Layland and Saracens full back Vicky Massarella will get their first starts of this season's Six Nations campaign while Darlington Mowden Park Sharks centre Georgina Roberts will make her international debut. Wasps player Natalie Binstead could also earn her first cap for England if she is called off the bench.
Richmond's Alice Richardson will also start the game at fly-half with Katy McLean moving to the bench, while Wasps wing Michaela Staniford moves to the left wing in place of Danielle Waterman. Worcester's Katherine Merchant will now wear the number 14 jersey while Wasps prop Claire Purdy could earn her third cap if she too is called off the bench.
Street said: "I am really pleased to be able to name Claire Purdy, Natalie Binstead and Georgina Roberts in the 22. After a tough game against France A just over a week ago and generally a tough A season so far they have come through these games with flying colours and deserve this chance.
"I am also looking forward to seeing Emma Layland and Vicky Massarella starting for the first time in this season's RBS 6 Nations. They too have enjoyed a good season so far and deserve a start. It just shows the calibre of this squad and the strength in depth we have to be able to rest Charlotte Barras, Sarah Beale, Jane Leonard and Sophie Hemming, while still have a very strong bench with the likes of Amy Garnett, Danielle Waterman, Claire Allan and Katy McLean ready to come on if we need them."
As England get ready for their final away game of the championship, the reigning champions are still on track to record an unprecedented third consecutive Grand Slam in Six Nations history after convincing wins over Wales, Italy and France.
England last played Scotland a year ago in the RBS 6 Nations and came away with an impressive ten try, 60-0 victory at Old Albanians RFC. Street, however, says England shouldn't expect such an easy ride in Edinburgh this time around.
He added: "Last year I think we caught Scotland cold in the opening game of the championship. They are certainly going to be more competitive this year, especially as they are at home and we are going to have to be at our best to keep our winning streak going.
"Scotland had good games against France and Ireland and in both matches were leading at half-time, so we will have to keep them at bay in the first forty minutes as that is where they are going to be strong. I think those games will certainly give Scotland extra confidence as well as the added benefit of playing at home."
England
1 Rochelle Clark Henley
2 Emma Layland Richmond
3 Katy Storie Blaydon Team Northumbria
4 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
6 Sarah Hunter Lichfield
7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
8 Catherine Spencer (Captain) Worcester
9 Amy Turner Richmond 1
0 Alice Richardson Richmond
11 Michaela Staniford Wasps
12 Rachael Burford Saracens
13 Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
15 Victoria Massarella Saracens
Replacements:
16 Amy Garnett Saracens
17 Claire Purdy Wasps
18 Natalie Binstead Wasps
19 Karen Jones Richmond
20 Danielle Waterman Clifton
21 Katy McLean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
22 Claire Allan Saracens
Head Coach Gary Street
Assistant Coach Graham Smith
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