Another tough afternoon for the new look Wasps squad, but many more experienced squads are likely to struggle against this Bishop Auckland team, who were relegated from Championship North 1 last season, and on the basis of this performance, and teams played by the Wasps over the last two years, must be a favourite for an immediate return.

They always had plenty of support runners in attack, with some excellent handling, whilst when the Wasps had the ball, the Bishop Auckland defence was very quickly up to try to cut off any Wasps move.

Bishop Auckland opened their scoring after four minutes with a try, and were 0v12 up when Lydia Fleming at outside half got the Wasps first points of the season with a penalty after a quarter of an hour. 3v12.

Bishops Auckland added three more tries one converted, by half time 3v29.

The Wasps got their first try of the season, after some excellent build-up play to open the second half, with Sophie Postlethwaite finishing the move 8v29

This was the Wasps final score but Bishop Auckland added five more tries, three converted for an 8v60 win

The Wasps coaches may be unhappy at how easily some of the tries came, but as the Wasps have previously found, it is easier to play with a big lead, as you can try things and no one is too bothered if they don’t come off, but in most cases this time they did.

Despite the scoreline this was a much improved performance for the Wasps, than in the opening home game against Halifax, whose other results show are a good team, but certainly not yet at the same standard as this Bishop Auckland team.

Even during the game it was clear some of the new Wasps were growing in confidence and willing to take the Bishop Auckland defence on, whilst the more experienced players all contributed well in attack and defence.

Pick of the new backs was again Alice Keynon, who despite the great defence made a lot ground, whilst Lucy Cowell in the back row played well.

The very young referee may have missed a few knock-ons and forward passes, but otherwise had a good afternoon, keeping play flowing and could certainly teach most of his more experienced colleagues.

Forward of Match : Amber Byers
Back of Match : Sophie Postlethwaite
Opposition Choice : Sarah Wilkinson

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