It might have been cold on the ground but Wasps FC Ladies brought the heat today in round 12 of Tyrrells Premier 15s securing a 21 point win to DMP sharks. It was a close first half, both teams scoring two tries, however Wasps dominated the second half to score a further three and bag the win.

It didn’t take long for Wasps to make their mark on the game. After quickly gaining back possession from the kick off, Wasps winger ,Abby Dow, passed out to centre, Louise Dodd, who hit a hole to find the whitewash and put Wasps 7 points up just 3 minutes into the game. In reaction, DMP sharks took the game into Wasps half, tickling the 22. However, with defence on point, Wasps forced the visitors into touch to take back control of the game. Their second try came shortly after- in the 10th minute Rocky Clarke, armed with some forwards fury, squeezed the ball over the line and with a successful conversion from Abby Dow, the hosts found themselves 14 points ahead.

The next 10 minutes saw a game of scrums in Wasps half. Three scrums in and it became evident that this pushing game belonged to Wasps’ pack as they continued to walk over DMP’s ball.

The visitor’s first encounter with the whitewash came in the 25th minute. Taking advantage of Wasps’ slip of the hand, DMP Shark’s no. 10, Katy Mclean, chipped the ball over the game line leaving their no. 7 to take it to the line and bring them back in the game. With a fire lit, their second try came in quick succession just minutes later from their no. 8. With two tries a piece, but missed conversions from the visitors, the half time score sat at 14-10 to Wasps FC Ladies.

With an almost level playing field, the game was far from won for the Swarm. Eager to break away, Wasps made a quick start to the second half, scoring their third try in the 48th. Fly half, Tina Veale slotted the ball over DMP Sharks defence line, leaving Wasps’ backs to run it towards the try line and eventually into the hands of second row, Alice Sheffield, who took it over under the posts.

From here, Wasps continued to take control. DMP Sharks, at points making threats to even out the the score line, but a well drilled defence and dominant set piece from Wasps ground DMP’s efforts to a halt.

The final two tries of the game game at 60 and 75 minutes. The first off a DMP line out that was disrupted by Alice Sheffield to leave Wasps in possession and free to play wide into the hands of Danielle Waterman who, with dancing feet, ran her way to the try line. The second, and final points of the game saw joint effort between the pack and the backs. Continuing their scrum success, Wasps’ pack secured ball from a DMP scrum, allowing their backs to finish the job. Hannah Edwards popped the ball to winger, Abby Dow, who dodged DMP’s defence and secure the points.

Their last encounter saw a close game, with only a 4 point margin between the two sides. Wasps arrived ready to sting and that they did.

“We knew it would be a physical battle and our defence was tested throughout. Katy controlled the game very well keeping us constantly guessing and on our toes. But ultimately, our structure saw us attacking with quick ball and the gaps began to open. Really glad to come away with the bonus points and lots to take forward to next week as we prepare to face Saracens in what promises to be an exciting London derby”

Captain Kate Alder