Another Sunday, time for another rugby day. This weekend the Wasps welcome Barnsley to Mint Bridge for the first return fixture of the season. The visit to Barnsley saw the home team victorious 39-10 against a Wasps side who performed admirably for 80 minutes, in sapping conditions with only a matchday 15 available. Fast forward to December and this week a full matchday 22 is available for the final fixture of 2017. The front row sees a wholesale change with the return of Kerry Stevens, Aimee Sharp and Anna Waite. The second row pairing of Lindsey Benzie and Amy Butler continue their impressive development, whilst Eve Joseph returns to the back row in the only change from Darlington away, joining Holly Howard and Amy Orrow. The backline sees a few changes, with Cath Sewell returning to join Fleur Stanton in the half backs. A midfield reshuffle sees Michelle Larkin return to join Lauren Harkness in the centres, with Chelsea Clarkson moving to the wing after an impressive outing at scrum half last time out. Tamar Benson retains her place after a great showing, moving out to the wing with Hayley Hodgson returning at fullback. A full bench sees the welcome return of the versatile Rowan Boardley, joined by the front row trio of Sarah Muncaster, Liz Stoker and Zoe Dixon. Kelly Friend and Vicki Nelmes also return to the matchday squad, completed by Lorne Mellonie who had an excellent outing at Darlington and has really stood up when called upon.
Coach James Mackereth's views:
After the selection headaches of a fortnight ago, this week has presented an entirely different dilemma!! We're lucky to have such depth available this time round. Numbers were never our friend a fortnight ago, but since then we've rebuilt, refreshed and are ready for one last go before the festive break. Thursday night was a superb session, just what's needed going into a tie like this one. We've had a good look at some new ideas, mixed it up a bit positionally, and worked hard to put it all together. Barnsley are a quality side, they showed that in our visit early on, and their record over the previous campaigns is outstanding. Of the sides in this league, I'd back these Wasps ladies to stand up and make life very difficult come Sunday, we're a different proposition from game 2 and we're looking to turn this season on its head going into the new year. It's great to see the confidence coming out of players now, it breeds enjoyment and enthusiasm. Every one of these ladies has done something excellent so far this season, I'm hoping it continues into Sunday and beyond. All the best for the weekend girls.