Wales Women fall to England

The 42-year-old second row packed down against England Women in the 20th anniversary match between the two countries, just as she had done in the original fixture two decades ago.

Yet there was no fairytale ending as last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup runners-up bludgeoned their way to a Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam to maintain their unbeaten record against Wales.

After a dominant start from Wales the tables turned and the England Women began to threaten. They were rewarded after fifteen minutes by a try from wing Danielle Waterman, who finished off a well-worked back line move in the corner.

Welsh kicker Non Evans narrowly missed a penalty just before the break and then Karen Andrews further extended the lead by slotting over a penalty after Wales were penalised for consistently killing the ball. To add further frustration for the home side Cardiff Quins wing Amber Penrith crossed for England’s second try to give the title chasers a commanding 13-0 half-time lead.

Andrews added a second penalty nine minutes into the second half and then Burgess was sent to the bin for holding on after 66 minutes. England quickly capitalised on their advantage and openside flanker Maggie Alpohonsi sent Waterman over for her second try which Andrews converted.

Andrews rounded off her afternoon with a try and conversion to bag fifteen points in the match. Wales finished with three wins in the campaign, beating Ireland, Scotland and Italy, but ended the season with No.8 Kylie Wilson joining Burgess in retirement.

Women’s Six Nations
Wales Women v England Women

England Women
Tries: D Waterman (2), A Penrith, K Andrew
Cons: K Andrews (2)
Pens: K Andrew (2)


Wales Women: Elen Evans (Dolgellau); Non Evans (Clifton), Naomi Thomas (Clifton), Clare Flowers (Clifton), Louise Rickard (Saracens); Rachel Poolman (UWIC), Mellissa Berry (Cardiff Quins, captain); Louise Horgan (Saracen) Rhian Bowden (UWIC), Jennifer Davies (Waterloo), Claire Donovan (Saracens), Liza Burgess (Clifton), Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins), Jamie Kift (Clifton), Kylie Wilson (Clifton)

Replacements: Nicola Evans (Wasps) for C Nicholas 56; Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun) for C Donovan 57; Hannah Szigetvari (Tylorstown) for E Evans 62; Amy Broadstock (Llandaff North) for L Horgan 74; Rhian Williams (Wasps) for N Evans 76


England Women: Sue Day (Wasps); Danielle Waterman (Clifton), Claire Allan (Saracens), Rachel Burford (Saracens), Amber Penrith (Cardiff Quins); Karen Andrew (Saracens), Amy Turner (Wasps); Rochelle Clark (Henley), Amy Garnett (Saracens), Katy Storie (Blaydon) , Tamara Taylor (Thrisk), Jo McGilchrist (Wasps), Georgia Stevens (Clifton), Maggie Alpohonsi (Saracens), Catherine Spencer (Worcester)

Replacements: Emma Layland for Amy Garnett 65; Vanessa Gray for K Storie 65; Michaela Staniford for C Allan 65; Sarah Hunter for J McGilchrist 75