Match Preview

So Sunday sees the Wasps go on the road for the final time this season as they visit Southport in the penultimate league fixture. After the emphatic win over Darlington in their last outing, the girls are looking to see out the season in style and continue the all action effort that served them well last time out.

Team selection this week sees a number of enforced changes due to unavailability and injury. With skipper Kez Stevens ruled out for the remaining fixtures through injury, Aimee Sharp takes the captains armband today and is joined in the front row by Anna Waite and Liz Stoker. Lindsey Benzie and Amy Butler reunite in the second row, and a back row reshuffle sees Vicki Nelmes shift to the blindside, with Kelly Friend and Samara Tomlinson joining her. Chelsea Clarkson and Lauren Harkness join forces in an all new half back pairing, with the midfield likewise as Michelle Larkin and Kate Birchall form a new centre partnership. Further changes in the back three as Sophie Little returns, joining Beth Shaw and Tamar Benson in a new look back three. Kelis Evans makes her debut from the bench, becoming the third player to benefit from the new dispensation ruling.

Coach James Mackereth's views:

It's very rare to have to make such a raft of changes, but it's credit to the girls that they've taken all this in their stride and are keen and confident to push on and build on the last outing. The important thing with the Darlington result was that it was a huge squad effort, everyone knew their job and once we got into the game there was no let up. We're missing a number of key players going into this, there's certainly 5 or 6 key players who would make a difference in most sides in this division, but it's a chance for others to put their hands up and show why they're here. Training has been productive despite the awful weather, everyone has bought in, and the help from Arthur and Tom, particularly in specific areas, has been a huge help in this last period of the season. Fingers crossed the good work carries on into the home straight next week too. Special mention for Kelis Evans as she makes her debut tomorrow, and to Aimee Sharp as she captains the side for the first time tomorrow. Best of luck to all the girls out there. Enjoy the day, stick together and see where it takes you.