Match Preview

Wasps travel to local rivals Harlequins this weekend as they look to maintain their position at the top of the Tyrrell’s Premier 15s Development League. Wasps are the only undefeated side in the league with six wins and 29 points. Harlequins are one of three teams close behind them with five wins, following their loss to Saracens last weekend.

Wasps make just four changes to their side that were convincing winners over Richmond last weekend at Twyford Avenue.
There is one sole change in the forwards. Emily Maisey picks up her first appearance in the development league this season, replacing Kasey Allen.

The backline sees the return of three players from the 49-5 victory over Darlington Mowden Park Sharks. Louise Dodd and Garnet Mackinder, who both picked up two tries a piece in that game, are the centre pairing for Wasps. Becca Wye also returns on the wing in place of Suzie Flowers.

Wasps have looked dangerous in all their fixtures so far in the development league, racking up a huge 49 tries so far in the opening six matches. The race for top try scorer within the squad in tightly fought with Makeda Lewis, Megan Horwood (Sponsored by Newbury Self Store), Maud Muir & Danielle Harrison all on five tries each. However, the squad will be fully focused on another strong team performance needed to secure the victory.

Harlequins had previously been the only other undefeated side in the development league until they fell to a 12-34 loss to Saracens at home last weekend. This loss saw them fall to fourth in the table. They will be on the hunt to rebound quickly and work their way back up the table.

Wasps will be hoping for nothing but a win away at Surrey Sports Park this week to ensure they maintain they spot on the top of the development league, and can begin to pull away from the chasing pack.