English Premiership: Round Eight Summary

Wasps 8 Richmond 50

A strong surge in the second half saw Richmond record a comfortable win over local rivals Wasps, following a game that had been tight for almost an hour.

Richmond led just 8-10 at the break, but an excellent performance in the final 20 minutes saw them take total control.

Wasps started the game strongly with hard direct running from Yellie Powley at inside centre and the Wasps back row allowed the outside backs to find space. Within five minutes Sarah McKenna kicked over a penalty for the first points of the match for the home side to take the lead.

A loose pass by Richmond just inside their own half saw Michaela Staniford grab an intercept and speed in for a try, putting Wasps 8-0 in the lead.

Richmond though, looked dangerous out wide with Alice Richardson making breaks and creating space for Lynne Cantwell(pictured)playing on the wing. Wasps had to rely on a try saving tackle by Tina Lee a few metres from the line to keep them out. Richmond kept the pressure up though and after a number of penalties a team yellow card was given out to Wasps with Alice Richardson slotting the penalty kick. Richmond were then awarded a try on the stroke of half time though a pick and go by Rowena Burnfield, who had appeared to have dropped the ball, and with the conversion added Richmond nudged in front 8-10.

A first try of the second half from a Fi Davidson saw Richmond push the lead out almost immediately after the restart. Both teams battled hard and the home side had some chances through wingers Liz Riley and Tash Brennan but Richmond began to show their strength from 60 minutes. Davidson scored a second try after picking up from the ruck and darting down the wing and there were further tries from Jackie Sheils, Davidson, Becky Essex and Burnfield all of which were converted in a great kicking display by Richardson.

Darlington Mowden Park Sharks 11 Worcester 31

Worcester consolidated their position as league leaders with a hard fought victory at Sharks.

Worcester, with an unfamiliar starting line-up, looked anything but the leagues pacesetters from the kick off and the intensity of the Sharks opening play was justly rewarded after just 7 minutes with try from one of Englands fastest players, Ruth Laybourn.

Worcester were able to contain the hosts as a result of their strong scrum, the tenacity of Sian Williams at the breakdown and the mazy running and tackling of Sarah Guest.

A break from Guest saw long pass to wing Kat Merchant, who rounded Laybourn to score in the corner. Darryl Poole stepped up with an impressive conversion.

Sharks continued to press and Worcester continued to make handling errors, but Worcester had settled their defence and the creative combination of Merchant and Guest resulted in the visitors increasing their lead, Merchant again over in the corner.

Sharks continued to pose problems for Worcester, who must have been relieved to take the half time break with a 9 point advantage.

Sharks kicked of the second half and the ball was gathered by Ceri Large, who spotted a gap in the Sharks defence, kicked into space, followed up and gathered and looked likely to score until tackled, but the irrepressible Merchant was available for the offload to complete her hat trick and provide Worcester with a seemingly comfortable 14 point advantage.

Enthusiasm at the breakdown allowed Katy Mclean to reduce the deficit with a well struck penalty to make the score 8-19 and set up the prospect of at least a bonus point for the hard working home team.

However, on 65 minutes Worcester introduced Danielle Waterman into the fray and with her first touch of ball she increased the visitors lead by a further five points.

McLean was given a further opportunity which she gratefully accepted.The final stages of the game saw the league leaders press hard for the winning bonus point and good all round work from the pack released second row Jenny Brightmore to show a clean pair of heals to the Sharks defence and score under the posts - Darryl Poole making no mistake with the kick.

Sharks always present testing opposition at home, and this game was no exception. For Sharks Katy McLean managed her side admirable and Sophie Austin always provided a threat when driving forward.

The international programme now gives the Premiership a break until December 9th when Worcester entertain Bristol. Worcester will be hoping that Joanne Watmore, Heather Fisher, Karen Jones, Tracy Balmer, Charlotte Keane and Lydia Thompson will all be available for this important game.

Bristol 29 Saracens 0

Bristol ran out strong winners over Saracens in their home game.

Despite being penalised with yellow cards for ill-discipline on three occasions with Claire Molloy, Izzy Noel-Smith and Amber Reed all spending 10 minutes in the sin-bin at vaarious points of the game the home side coped strongly with reduced numbers.

In fact, Bristol did better than that and failed to concede a single point while down players, in a showing of strong defence throughout in muddy conditions.

Saracens, missing key players including centre Mandy Marchak who is back on international duty, struggled to get into the game and despite playing against 13 players for one period, couldnt take advantage on the scoreboardA strong offloading game was key for Bristol in grabbing a five-try bonus point, securing the fifth in the final play of the game.

Tries for Kate Hancock, Rachel Taylor, Marlie Packer, ClaireMolloy and Amy Wilson-Hardy and two conversions from Amber Reed secured the win.

Lichfield 50 Thurrock 0

No match report recieved.