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Cumbrian WASPS at TWICKENHAM
Not Cumbria's Day
Devon proved just too strong for the Cumbria side, running out with a 53v12 win, but the Wasps players involved all had good games, with Hayley Hodgson getting the final try of the afternoon with an interception, whilst Amber Byers and Fleur Stanton did well at the lineout to secure a lot of ball for Cumbria.
Devon had a number of quality players and made sure the Cumbria flyers never got away, whilst their own players created gaps to break the Cumbria defence.
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A last minute, dramatic victory away at Essex has secured the Cumbrian Women’s rugby team a place at Twickenham.
The Cumbrian squad will take on Devon RFU on Sunday the 16th of June in the division 3 final. All six of the Wasps selected to be a part of the County setup have played integral roles in the squad.
This year's Wasps player’s player Amber Byers and coaches player Fleur Stanton have so far started every Cumbria game, alongside Wasps’ stalwart Hayley Hodgson.
In true Hodge style, Hodgson scored 2 tries in the Staffordshire game at Carlisle and 4 tries in the Oxfordshire game at Upper Eden, as well as being awarded the opposition’s player of the match award against Staffordshire. As well as some scything runs and her relentless attack, Hodgson’s defensive ability has been at its best, with her tackles often inspiring plenty of cheers from the crowds.
Stanton, also named Cumbrian vice-captain, has so far played every minute of the county campaign. From so often leading the defensive press, to calling and jumping at lineouts – even covering at scrum-half, Fleur’s constant presence in the Cumbrian squad is a testament to her fitness and work ethic.
Byers is yet another Wasp to showcase her versatility in a Cumbrian shirt, covering at hooker as well as her usual position of tight head prop. Another workhorse, Amber is an exceptionally talented and skillful young prop, often throwing in at lineouts and displaying her precise passing skills. It is often easy to forget Amber is just 20 years old; a player full of promise and so much potential.
Despite missing the first Staffordshire game, the impact of Meagen Byers, Siobhan Lamb and Allysia Hine in the landslide 97-0 home victory against Oxfordshire secured their places in the squad for the following away victory away at Essex.
Number 8 Lamb managed to get her name on the scoresheet during the Oxfordshire game. A new Wasps recruit, Lamb has already cemented herself as an integral part of the team, with her powerful runs so often leading to tries.
A versatile player for the Wasps, Byers’ talents at hooker shone through for the county coaches. Meagen’s hard work and tackling strength let her to starting the last two games. Unfortunately, Meagen sadly injured herself securing the victory away at Essex and we wish her all the best in her recovery.
Allysia Hine’s place in the squad became uncertain due to an injury sustained playing for the Wasps – one of the unfortunate ramifications of having to play the club and county seasons simultaneously. However, Hine’s hard work paid off, and after missing the first game, her appearance on the county team sheet reflected her determination and dedication. Covering the centres as well as fly-half, Hine offers a skill full and thoughtful style of play, with her kicks often gaining territory and catching teams off guard.
The Wasps squad is exceptionally proud of our representation within the County squad and wishes the Cumbrian team the best of luck in their final. Any last-minute donations to their fundraising efforts would be greatly appreciated, I am sure.
Kate Birchall