Wasps will look to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier 15s Development League, as they host Darlington Mowden Park Sharks this weekend. The hosts returned to the top spot with a 32-17 victory over Richmond last weekend. With four victories on the bounce, Wasps will look to keep up the momentum with fixtures against Harlequins & Saracens coming in the weeks ahead.
Wasps have made eight changes to the side that put six tries past rivals Richmond last weekend. Amy Atkinson picks up a starting place in the centre, having scored five tries in her three appearances for the development side this season. Lucy Smith makes her first starting appearance of the season, having appeared off the bench last weekend.
Rona Mitchell and Michaela Dorrian both come into the side at fly-half and scrum-half respectively to cap the changes in the backline.
In the forwards Nic Smith, who played against Richmond’s first team last weekend, comes in at number eight. Esteira Hiwaizi moves into the second row to partner Emily Maisey (Sponsored by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners).
Up front Helena Ironton picks up her second start of the season at hooker, with Mica Evans coming in to join Kate Hallett (Sponsored by Inspire Hot Yoga) who scored a try last weekend.
Darlington Mowden Park Sharks are in eighth position in the development league, with two wins from their ten fixtures. Last weekend they fell to a 12-44 defeat at the hands of Loughborough Lightning.