Semi-Final 2 Leg 1

Susie Appleby names Gloucester-Hartpury side for play-off semi-final first leg

Having finished fourth in the Tyrrells Premier 15s table, Gloucester-Hartpury Women take on Saracens Women at the Gillman’s Ground on Saturday (kick off 4:15pm) in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals.

Despite a number of squad members being away representing Wales Sevens in the Commonwealth Games, Head Coach Susie Appleby is able to name a side which shows just three changes from the line-up that defeated Loughborough Lightning last time out.

England international Ellie Kildunne returns at full-back, Wales international Cerys Hale will start in the second row in place of the unfortunately injured Molly Morrissey while Milly Wallis gets the nod at blindside flanker.

It’s uncharted territory for both teams in this inaugural Tyrrells Premier 15s season, but Appleby finds the prospect exciting:

“We are looking forward to welcoming Saracens to Hartpury tomorrow for the first semi-final.

“We played really well in the second half against Loughborough and are hoping to take this form into the game. We have scored some excellent tries and are very dangerous when we are patient and go through the phases.

“Saracens are an excellent side and have been the most consistent in the league this season, they have big ball carriers and a lot of pace in their back line. They are also one of the best defensive teams in the league.

“However, we scored five tries against them up at Allianz Park which gives us a lot of confidence and self-belief. We know we may get limited opportunities and we need to be accurate and ready to take them.

“We expect a fantastic game tomorrow between two very good sides and we can’t wait to get out there!”

Saracens Women name semi final squad

Saracens Women have named their side to play Gloucester-Hartpury at The Gillman’s Grounds on Saturday for the first leg of the Tyrrells Premier 15s semi finals, kick off 16h15.

After topping the table at the end of the regular season with last week’s win against Bristol Ladies, Sarries have been drawn against fourth placed Gloucester-Hartpury for the first leg of the knock outs.

The back line remains unchanged with Lotte Clapp wearing the captain’s armband on the wing, joined by Emma Uren and Nina Vistisen in the back three. Helena Rowland and Lauren Cattell partner up in the midfield with Georgie Gulliver and Zoe Harrison selected as the half back pairing.

Rob Cain is forced into a change in the pack as Hannah Botterman starts at loose head prop to replace the injured El Perry. Kat Evans and Sam Martinez Gion join her in the front row. Sarries veteran Sonia Green continues in the engine room alongside Tessa Wijmans and the formidable back row trio of Marlie Packer, Bryony and Poppy Cleall remains unchanged.

England U20’s lock Rosie Galligan returns from injury to feature amongst the replacements.