Wasps Ladies were too hot to handle at a sodden Sixways Stadium as Warriors Women went down 22-7 in Round 3 of the Allianz Premier 15s.

A solitary try for Wales international Alex Callender gave Jo Yapp’s side something to cheer about in the closing stages of the contest, but scores from Heather Kerr, Hannah West and Ellie Kildunne gave the visitors their first victory of the campaign.

Wasps went over for the first of their three tries on four minutes when Heather Kerr burrowed over from a driving maul after a period of relentless pressure on Warriors’ try line. Megan Jones added the extras for a 7-0 lead, but her side were unable to increase their advantage until the early stages of the second half thanks to excellent work in defence from the Sixways outfit.

A ball and all tackle from Warriors centre Jade Shekells certainly set the tone for a spirited defensive effort, however Wasps starved Warriors of possession in key areas of the field with the likes of Lydia Thompson and Vicky Laflin foiled at source.

Jones slotted home a penalty on 38 minutes to make it 10-0, before hooker West crashed over for the visitors’ second try of the afternoon. Jones’ radar boot made it 17-0, her touchline conversion highlighting an impressive kicking display.

Warriors enjoyed their best passage of play just before the hour mark, patient build-up play getting the hosts into Wasps’ 22. Laura Keates was in fine fettle, making hard yards to get Warriors on the front foot, but a lack of execution in the final third proved their undoing.

Wasps made Warriors rue their missed opportunities on 61 minutes as full-back Kildunne sprinted in at

the corner to extend their lead to 22-0. Warriors to their credit hit back moments later when Callender burrowed over from the base of a ruck after great build-up play involving Keates and Taz Bricknell, the duo putting in a shift in torrential rain. Vicky Foxwell converted to reduce the arrears to 22-7.

England wing Lydia Thompson had her first sniff of the try line with the final whistle looming, her lung-busting dash down the near side underlining her star quality to the Red Roses selectors who were in attendance. Despite a late attacking onslaught from Warriors, Wasps stood firm and sealed a well-earned 22-7 victory.

Wasps secured their first victory of the season on the road in a hard fought battle against Worcester Warriors in round three of Allianz Premier 15s. Worcester put out a strong outfit but with three tries to one- Wasps came out on top with Kildunne, Kerr and West all making their way over the line and the boot of Jones adding the extras to end the game at 7-22.

It was a quick start to the game for Wasps with an up front try from Kerr in the 4th minute- her first in the black and gold colours. Jones delivered the bonus 2 with the conversion.

The rest of the first half saw the score board untouched and a huge defensive battle from both sides as they each tried to defend their half and force errors from the opposition. With the heavens open- wet conditions saw both sides fighting to keep ball in hand. In the final seconds of the half- Worcester’s no. 8 made a run away through the middle of Wasps defence only to be chased down leaving the half time score at 0-7.

“Due to the culture at Wasps, defence has always been a strong element of our game – just with the pre season and hard work the squad has put in we’ve moved defence to a different level- and that showed today with a hugely aggressive second half with Kate Alder, our captain, leading by example”

Oli Bishop, Defence Coach

Minutes into the second half, a penalty opportunity saw Jones widen the gap and put another three on the board for Wasps.

WIth a lineout opportunity on Worcester’s 5m line- a catch and drive saw the pack carry the ball over the line in the safe hands of West.

The next portion of play saw Worcester take possession and bring play into Wasps half leaving Wasps defending their own line in an upfront battle. Escaping the danger zone- Wasps earnt a midfield scrum in Worcester’s half which they took wide and into the hands of Kildunne who weaved her way through Worcesters defence to score in the corner.

Determined not to leave the game with Wasps in charge- Worcester responded and minutes later got one of their own after a penalty and line out on the 5m- their no.7 taking it over with a successful conversion setting the final score for the match.

An exciting game against a strong Warriors side and a well-deserved win on the road for Wasps. Next week Wasps will play their rescheduled fixture against Bristol Bears.