Cherry’s late try secures crown for Australia

A DISAPPOINTING Paris campaign for England ended in anti-climax after they booked a place in the Cup quarter-finals.

On the edge of reaching the semi-finals at Women’s World Sevens events in Kitakyushu and Langford only to fall short, England came storming back from a closely-fought 24-12 defeat to New Zealand first up to hand heavy losses to Ireland, 31-12, and Wales, 45-12 in Pool A.

Deborah Fleming brought the cutting edge in attack by bagging five tries to set up a date with hosts France.

But England’s hopes of reaching at least the bronze medal match were scuppered by the side who are sat five places above them in the standings in third.

An eight-try demolition job saw England lose 48-7, and Fiji then defeated them in the fifth-place semi-final 19-14.

Australia were crowned 2018 champions after winning an enthralling semifinal against France, which means today’s final against New Zealand holds no bearing on the series with the Black Fearns needing 26 points to draw the series level, when only 20 are available in Paris.

France raised pulses by overturning a 14-0 scoreline at the break against Australia through secondhalf tries by captain Fanny Horta, Majorie Mayans and Chloe Pelle.

However at 17-14, Australia showed their mettle as a quick tap-and-go and a succession of passes saw the ball worked to Cherry who cut inside to score and spark the series-winning celebrations, 21-17.