England Rugby League

England women wrap up series with emphatic win

Monday 27th July 09

France Women 0 v 36 England Women

England Women completed a 2-0 series win with an emphatic eight-try victory over their French counterparts in Blagnac on Saturday.

Six days after beating France 22-8 in Toulouse, England delivered a totally dominant display with a team featuring four under-18s, including 16-year-old debutant Kelsey Morgan.

The experienced Natalie Gilmour again led the way on Saturday, scoring two more tries to add to the two she scored in the first Test to round off an impressive performance.

There were also two tries each for Rachel Twibill of Bradford Thunderbirds and Siddal Ladies’ Amy Hardcastle while Warrington Ladies duo Jo Watmore and Emily Rudge also touched down. The goals came from Lisa Taylor and Andrea Dobson.

England coach Brenda Dobek said she was delighted with the result and the performance, especially considering the relative inexperience of the side.

“It was an excellent performance which bodes well for the future of the England Women’s team,” said Dobek.

“We have all learned a lot during the tournament and the week away in camp was invaluable in helping us develop talent both on and off the field.

“The four under-18s acquitted themselves very well and their success shows how serious the desire to develop women’s Rugby League in England is.”

The second Test was played as a curtain-raiser to the Co-operative Championship fixture between Toulouse Olympique and Widnes Vikings at Stade Ernest Argeles in Blagnac on Saturday afternoon.