A game between two very competitive local sides, promised a great deal, and the match did not disappoint. The game saw a battle between two sides with almost impenetrable defences. Wasps FC ladies were the ones who came out on top - with one golden try that secured the victory.

The game started with high intensity, with Wasps FC ladies controlling the game early and pushing for the initial try and pinning Saracens back to their 5m line. However, the Saracens defence managed to brush off Wasps early pressure even when forced back to their own 5m line. It was now time for Wasps' defence to be tested. Saracens gaining possession through a scrum leading to a lineout deep into Wasps half. Wasps Ladies came out on top this time managing to push back Saracens to the halfway line.

By the 24th minute both teams were locked in an intense battle of territory, both teams fighting to find a crack in the other's line. The conditions made things even more tricky with the rain leading to a very slippery ball, causing multiple dropped balls and knock ons from both teams. The battle between the two sides intensified until the whistle blew for half time. Both teams went into the dressing rooms with the score line set at nil-all.

The 2nd half begun the way the first half left off with Saracens immediately earning a lineout on the Wasps 22m from the kick off. The 44th minute saw the first true chance of the game with Saracens earning a penalty kick slightly left of the posts on the wasps 22m line. Luckily for Wasps the conditions led to the ball just falling short of the posts. In the 49th minute No.16 Judith Stephenson replaced No.1 Ellena Perry.

It took until the 54th minute for the next chance to come, this time for Wasps Ladies, earning a penalty kick on Saracens 22m line. Unfortunately, the ball flew narrowly wide of the posts. The 60th minute saw Wasps earn another penalty kick, but with the tricky conditions challenging both teams, the kick flew wide. With 20 minutes to go, both teams were still at gridlock.

The next 5 minutes saw Wasps Ladies in possession and Saracens a man down after Bryony Cleale was yellow carded. Finally, in the 68th minute Wasps managed to break the Saracens line after another dominant Wasps scrum. The ball found the hands of Nolli Waterman (Sponsored by Quilter Cheviot and Europa Group) from the quick hands of Abby Dow and using a burst of pace to lose the defender and score down the blindside with a blade of grass between her and the touch line. Resulting in Wasps Ladies leading Saracens 5-0 with 12 minutes to go.

Wasps Ladies held on for the last 10 minutes under intense pressure and managed to fight the elements and achieve a hard-fought victory against a side previously unbeaten. Hoping to carry momentum and a great confidence boost into the rest of the season to come.

Oliver Cook
Media Officer
Wasps FC Ladies