November 24, 2015
Worcester Ladies Gain Road Win Against Aylesford
Photo: AJB Photographic of Aimee Lennsen
Doug Coil
Women’s Premiership
Aylesford 0-87 Worcester
Worcester Ladies Rugby Football Club Press Release: November 22, 2015 Match, By Andy Baldwin
“Against the seasons form so far, Worcester came out of the blocks from kick off and it didn’t take long for the visitors to open their account.
A stolen ball from Aimee Lensson, Worcester started their attack with strong carries from Lisa Campbell, Lark Davies and Zoe Bennion. A cross-field kick to Aylesford’s full back was chased down and stolen by Rachel Lund who offloaded to Bennion to open Worcester’s account. Ceri Large was unable to convert. Rochelle Clark took the ball from Aylesford’s re-start allowing Lund to quickly add a try of her own, this time converted by Large, who crossed the whitewash herself shortly after and added the extras.
The try’s started to flow as both Bennion and Large completed a brace after just 16 minutes. The two combined fantastically in the centre supporting each other’s runs throughout. Rhiannon Donnahey showing skilled play at the breakdown.
After a 15 minute spell of Aylesford pressure, Worcester pushed on and Sam Parker was next to score with adding Lund moments later for her own brace created from a lineout won by Lyndsay O’Donnell and a strong run from Benny Williams. The half ended 39 nil. The Aylesford re-start didn’t go 10 and Lisa Campbell picked up from the scrum breaking free from several tackles and offloading to Kelly Smith who crossed the whitewash. The conversion unsuccessful.
Lenssen collected the loose restart ball and support was quickly on hand from Bianca Blackburn at the breakdown with quick ball to Campbell popping to Lark Davies who carried well, drawing Aylesford in for Large to break through followed by Courtney Gill and then Rhiannon Watkins who released to Large who combined with Lund well but it was Large who crossed the line for her hat-trick. Lark Davies was next to cross the line (converted by Blackburn) followed by Lund & Bennion who completed their hat tricks (Large adding the extras on one).
Returning to action for the first time since last season, Lydia Thompson, capitalised on the tiring Aylesford back line and crossed the line twice on her return. Sam Bree, also returning to action couldn’t quite manage the same feat but narrowly missed scoring as she was tackled in the corner and dropped the ball just short of the line. The scoring was rounded up by a fourth try from Bennion, which was converted by a drop kick from Large to seal the 87 nil victory for the visitors.
The majority of the try’s were scored from the backs, but the significant work rate and strong carries from the pack didn’t go un-noticed and again the impact from the bench worked well from head coach, Kat Merchant with Helena Bunce, Harriet Dunn and Sophie Williams making their mark on the game.
There were many positives to take away from the game to hopefully build upon for next week’s Premiership clash against Wasps at Weston’s with support work and strong ball carrying playing a big part in the high scoring game. The work rate from all was outstanding. Despite the score-line, too many points were lost due to missed conversions – place kicking must be an area Worcester should work on, as point difference could prove crucial come the end of the season.
Worcester host Wasps at Weston’s next Sunday and hope to increase the pressure on those above them in the league to secure a top four play off position finish.
We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters VetsNow, NMU, Foil Specialist, Gardiner Fosh, Worcestershire County Council, New Inn Claines, Knowle Sports, Aline, Hasbeanz and AJB Photographic for their continued support.”
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