Wasps started the game in control, strong running from Yellie Powley at 12 and the Wasps back row allowed the outside backs to find space, within 5 minutes Sarah McKenna kicked over a penalty for the first points of the match.

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

Richmond looked dangerous out wide with Alice Richardson making breaks and creating space for Lynne Cantwell playing on the wing, Wasps dealt with the pace of Richmond and covered their attacks in particular a try saving tackle by Tina Lee a few metres from the line. For a period of 15 minutes Richmond were within the 22 but Wasps kept strong and aggressive in defence to hold the opposition out. After a number of penalties a team yellow card was given out to Wasps with Alice Richardson slotting the penalty kick.

Richmond were judged to have scored on the stroke of half time though a pick and go by Rowena Burnfield, with the conversion added Richmond nudged in front 8-10.

Half Time Wasps 8 – 10 Richmond

A first try of the second half from a Fi Davidson breakaway, again with the conversion put Richmond comfortably in front 17-8.

Both teams battled hard in the second half, a few good runs by the Wasps wingers Liz Riley and Tas Brennan saw the home team unlucky not to score. Richmond began to show their strength from 60 minutes; Fi Davidson scored a second try after picking up from the ruck and darting down the wing.

Richmond seemed to click for the last 20 minutes and exploit a tired Wasps defence with further tries from Jackie Sheils, a third from Fi Davidson, Becky Essex and Nele Van Hove all of which were converted in a great kicking display by Alive Richardson. The final score finished 50 points to 8, perhaps not reflecting the closeness of the game. Wasps 1s now have a few weeks break before playing Saracens and Bristol before the Christmas break.

Final Score Wasps 8 – 50 Richmond

Wasps 2 vs Richmond 2s
By Mini Quinnie

Despite a disappointing scoreline Wasps 2s really upped their game this week against Richmond 2s compared to the previous match against them.

In defence we were much better at holding our line and the missed tackle count was far lower. In attack we came together and especially in the second half played some impressive rugby, however although we were in the oppositions 22 for long periods, we just couldn’t finish off tries.

The game got underway with both teams determined to give their all. Unfortunately a good break from Richmond early on put the score at 7-0.

Wasps put in some good defensive tackles but regrettably it took us a while to get settled in attack when we got our hands on the ball. Richmond had some strong crash ballers and tries two and three came from good lines and nice offloads. The half time score was 21-0.

In the second half Wasps were determined to up our game; playing and defending well, playing more positive rugby. The backs pulled off some fancy moves, Mal made some awesome runs, breaking into the line from fullback and Alex made some good breaks down the wing. The forwards focussed more and held their width in the defensive line, in particular Jo Emslie put in some great tackles. Unfortunately Richmond scored again, but then we spent the next 10 minutes in their 22, we crashed the ball in and shifted it to each wings and then Emma, who had made some excellent breaks throughout the game, went over the line but was held up. Again we worked well for that much needed try but the Richmond defence held.

We had a pitch swap after an injury to Amie Williams, on came Ness at 8 for the last 12 minutes of the match and as the 1’s came over to watch we picked up the work rate another 10% again. We played some of the best rugby of the game in this last patch. With Bani on at centre she made an impact, taking control of the crash balls making ground on every run. The last play of the game came as Richmond made a break up the wing from inside their half, through our line, but an excellent try saving tackle from Bruce well into our 22 meant they were prevented from scoring again, and as the ball dribbled out into touch the match ended at 35-0.

Overall, it was a major step up from when we played Richmond at their grounds, so well done all! Many thanks to H and Toya for playing and wish Amie a speedy recovery. Lets all make it down to training this week. As this was Amie’s last match for the season we need to fill in that critical 8 position, hers will be tough boots to fill!

Final Score: Wasps 2s 0 – 35 Richmond 2s