Match Preview

After a 4 week break, Wasps are back in action hosting Manchester Ladies RFC, a team they haven’t encountered so far this season

After the Wasps last outing (4 weeks seems to have lasted forever!), which saw a tremendous performance in beating Darlington away, the ladies now have second place in the league firmly in their sights and have been working hard to practice new ideas and tactics as they aspire to expand their game along the way

Forwards
The front row sees the return of Aimee Rose Sharp at Hooker, aided and abetted by Kerry Stevens and Anna Waite. Some adjustments to the engine room features both height and power of Amber Kershaw and Mary Stansfield at 4 and 5

Back Row
The breakaway trio is a strong partnership exuding skill, pace and strength with Emma Grunnill, Emma Rowlinson and Amy Beard

Half-backs
Shannon Barnes starts at scrum half and Fleur Stanton continues at outside half

Three-quarters
Michelle Larkin and Sarah Wilkinson resume in the centres, with a change to the regular line-up seeing Catherine Sewell move to the left wing, joining right wing and 15th Wasp debutant of the season Josie Leiper. Completing the backs line-up is stalwart full back Hayley Hodgson

Coach James Mackereth’s Viewpoint:
“The Darlington result for me is the pinnacle of our season so far and after a good sit down with the girls, everyone has bought into the idea of expanding the game plan a little bit further in the final third of the season, with a big emphasis on the squad building for next season. I'm excited by the squad available for Sunday! The run-on team has been picked to do the job we've been training for, the bench will provide a lot of impact and having reserves means everyone can work hard and rotate. Everybody is buying into the cause and I'm delighted that we can finally give Josie her debut after a long wait. She's worked hard in training and her pace makes her a real threat. The pack is strong, the half-backs are coming along nicely and the back line looks quick and powerful. I'm looking for a performance first and foremost, if it all comes together, it will be reflected in the result.”

Next Home Game: See the Wasps in action v Manchester Ladies at Mint Bridge this Sunday 19 February, 2pm kick-off and FREE ENTRY!