Report: Worcester Warriors Women 12-14 Bristol Bears Women

Saturday, December 11th 2021

Amber Reed showed nerves of steel to slot the match-winning conversion, as Dave Ward's side got back to winning ways with a dramatic victory over Worcester.

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What happened?

The hosts were first out of the blocks in Saturday afternoon’s clash, making quick work of a passage of play to send Alex Callender over the line for the opening try. Minori Yamamoto with the conversion to hand Worcester the 7-0 lead with five minutes played.

A tight opening 20 saw both sides struggle to gain the upper hand and pile on the pressure but eventually it was the Bears who came out on top.

Powering over the gain line before working the ball out wide to Ella Lovibond to run in for the Bears first try. Amber Reed converting to level the scores.

On the stroke of half time, Worcester edged ahead with a try from Meg Varley taking the side ahead 12-7 at the break with no conversion.

A red card for Worcester’s number 8 Sioned Harries after a dangerous tackle on Alisha Butchers left the Bears with the advantage in the second half.

The Bears had the opportunity after a solid carry from Sarah Bern and a swift offload to Siwan Lillicrap almost sending the number 8 over the line, only to be held up by the Worcester defence.

But the visitors had the chance to go again moments later and had another advantage in their favour with Worcester receiving a yellow card.

Making use of the extra player, a dominant driving maul from the pack sent Holly Phillips over the line for the try to level the scores. Reed holding her nerve to boot the winning conversion to seal out the win.

Worcester Warriors Women: 15. Abi Kershaw, 14. Lydia Thompson, 13. Jade Shekells, 12. Meg Varley, 11. Paige Farries, 10. Minori Yamamoto 9. Caity Mattinson (c); 1. Lisa Cockburn, 2. Lana Skeldon, 3. Flo Long, 4. Amelia Buckland Hurry, 5. Alycia Washington, 6. Alex Matthews, 7. Alex Callender, 8. Sioned Harries

Replacements: 16. Carys Phillips, 17. Abby Smitheman, 18. Lisa Campbell, 19. Lyndsay O’Donnell, 20. Joe Brown, 21. Taz Bricknell, 22. Ellen Murphy, 23. Vicky Laflin

Bristol Bears Women: 15. Ella Lovibond; 14. Grace Crompton, 13. Phoebe Murray, 12. Amber Reed (co-capt), 11. Courtney Keight; 10. Elinor Snowsill, 9. Leanne Infante; 1. China Kill, 2. Holly Phillips, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Talia John, 5. Abbie Ward (co-capt), 6. Alisha Butchers, 7. Manon Johnes, 8. Siwan Lillicrap.

System players: 16. Robyn Lockwood, 17. Alice Lockwood, 18. Ellie Mulhearn, 19. Hollie Cunningham, 20. Rownita Marston, 21. Keira Bevan, 22. Lucie Skuse, 23. Jo Smith.

Worcester Warriors Women: Tries: Alex Callender, Meg Varley. Conversions: Minori Yamamoto

Bristol Bears Women: Tries: Ella Lovibond, Holly Phillips. Conversions: Amber Reed (2)