Leaders look for daylight ahead of the pack

BRISTOL’S England stars must lay down a marker today in their top of the table clash against Lichfield to cement their World Cup selection, according to head coach Roy Davies.

The West Country side have been the driving force in the Women’s Premiership so far this season, losing only one of their ten games. And with four rounds still to play, they have all but booked their place for the semi-finals.

Numerous members of Davies’ squad have been away at an England training camp since New Year’s day, but he is confident his high-flyers will return with a bang given the World Cup in Ireland next summer is now in sight.

He said: “Our girls see this game as a really big opportunity to give ourselves a bit of distance in the league.

“There is also a World Cup at the end of the year and if they go out and have a big performance this weekend it will certainly help them push their case.

“Lichfield are a really good side but I’m pretty confident that if we match their physicality the result will go our way.”

Lichfield, who sit second, four points behind Bristol in the table, came very close to beating the leaders back in October only falling to a narrow 19-15 defeat and director of rugby Becky Williams reckons her side have what it takes to turn their fortunes around.

“We want to win the Premiership and I truly believe we can do it,” she told TRP.

“This is going to be the biggest game of the season. We want to win and I don’t think there is anything to separate the two teams.”

Aylesford and Saracens complete the top four and will be looking to claim wins over

Richmond and Wasps today to keep the heat on in the push for the playoffs. Worcester, in fifth, travel to bottom side Darlington MP.