Coaching role for Spencer

Catherine Spencer is the new coach of Aylesford Ladies. The former England captain has taken on the role after retiring from playing. Her first competitive game ended in defeat as Bulls lost to Premiership champions Saracens at the Jack Williams Ground on Sunday. But it was an encouraging performance from a hard-working Bulls side who were solid in the set piece. Aylesford manager Angela Smith, who has also stopped playing, said: “At some point Catherine would have gone into coaching, whether it was with us or someone else but it’s probably happened sooner than she expected. “She’s got her own ideas and is opinionated. She likes everything to be done with pace and positivity and she’s such a good influence.” Several players made their debuts, including Canadian Caitlin Blanchard in the backs and American Rosie Russell in the second row. Laura Tolley, Kaire Gent, Ashleigh Greenslade and Ciara Walkin were the other new faces. Sarah Riordan and skipper Kelly Davies led the defensive rearguard but the speed of the Saracens backs proved Bulls’ undoing and they trailed 29-0 at half-time. Centre Georgia Gray raced down the line for Aylesford’s only try early in the second half. Smith said: “It wasn’t the most auspicious start but it was always going to be a baptism of fire against Saracens. We did well and their report was quite complimentary.” Aylesford’s aim is to avoid another promotion/relegation play-off. Their task has been made harder by a change in league structure. Smith said: “The regular season finishes at the end of December and then in January there’s play-offs between the top four to decide the title and then fifth to eighth to decide who goes into the promotion/relegation play-off game against the Championship winners.” Aylesford host Wasps tomorrow (Saturday, 2pm).