Visitors Sheffield had return to the League after a season away following promotion to Championship North 1 two seasons ago, and sat in seventh place with three wins from their eight games, but had games in hand (including this one) over teams above them. This was the first meeting of the season between the two teams, following its postponement before Christmas due to poor weather.

There were three changes to the Wasps squad who played last weekend, with Laura Fleming, Kerri Jackson and Charlie Restall coming in, but there were the normal changes to shirt numbers. Lorne Mellonie started at outside half, with Alysia Hine moving to the centre, Hayley Hodgson moved to the right wing and Sophie Postlethwaite was at fullback, and Grace Owen on the left wing. Amy Butler moved into the second row, and Hailey Coutts moved to the back row.

Six of the Sheffield team had play at Mint Bridge two seasons ago.

The Wasps scored early, with a try by Amy Butler, (I think) her first in her sixth season on her 44 appearance. Sophie Posstlthwaite added the conversion 7v0.

Sheffield quickly hit back with a try of their own 7v5

The lead was extended with a try by Sarah Wilkinson 12v5

This time the Wasps scored quickly again, with a try from Sophie Postlethwaite which she also converted 19v5

The lead was quickly narrowed by a second Sheffield try, 31v10 which remained the score at half time.

Sheffield got a third try twelve minutes into the second half 31v15

Laura Fleming added a penalty shortly afterwards 22v15

The lead was further extended with a second Sarah Wilkinson try, this time converted by Laura Fleming 29v15

Sheffield got a further try towards the end of the game 29v20

The Wasps picked up two yellow cards (doesn’t say who) but held out for the win

Next weekend they are away the Wasps travel to Chester Divas who are in fifth with four wins (including one at Mint Bridge) from their ten games.

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Forward ................... : Lydia Fleming
Back......................... : Claire Geldard
Opposition Choice ... : also Claire Geldard

ACTION

Action	Team	No	Name	Time	Was	Opp

Try	Wasps	4	Amy Butler	2	5	0
Con	Wasps	15	Sophie Postlethwaite	3	7	0
Try	Sheffield			5	7	5
Try	Wasps	7	Sarah Wilkinson	23	12	5
Try	Wasps	15	Sophie Postlethwaite	27	17	5
Con	Wasps	15	Sophie Postlethwaite	28	19	5
Try	Sheffield			31	19	10
= = =	= = =	= = =	HALF TIME		19	10
Try	Sheffield			52	19	15
Pen	Wasps	2	Laura Fleming	59	22	15
Try	Wasps	7	Sarah Wilkinson	70	27	15
Con	Wasps	2	Laura Fleming	71	29	15
Try	Sheffield			79	29	20
Y/C	Wasps			80	29	20
Y/C	Wasps			80	29	20
= = =	= = =	= = =	FULL TIME		29	20

TEAMS

Action	Team	No	Name	Time	Was	Opp

Try	Wasps	4	Amy Butler	2	5	0
Con	Wasps	15	Sophie Postlethwaite	3	7	0
Try	Sheffield			5	7	5
Try	Wasps	7	Sarah Wilkinson	23	12	5
Try	Wasps	15	Sophie Postlethwaite	27	17	5
Con	Wasps	15	Sophie Postlethwaite	28	19	5
Try	Sheffield			31	19	10
= = =	= = =	= = =	HALF TIME		19	10
Try	Sheffield			52	19	15
Pen	Wasps	2	Laura Fleming	59	22	15
Try	Wasps	7	Sarah Wilkinson	70	27	15
Con	Wasps	2	Laura Fleming	71	29	15
Try	Sheffield			79	29	20
Y/C	Wasps			80	29	20
Y/C	Wasps			80	29	20
= = =	= = =	= = =	FULL TIME		29	20