Lichfield demolish Wasps with 13 tries

HOLLY Aitcheson and Carys Williams both scored a hat-trick as Lichfield smashed Wasps at Cooke Fields yesterday.

The Midlanders scored no less than 13 tries with England star Emily Scarratt, Charlotte Pearce, Amy Cokayne, Mo Hunt, Carys Hall, Kay Searcy and Jordan Bixley all getting one each.

“Following on from last week’s defeat at Saracens I was really pleased with the attitude and response from the player,” head coach Rich Bennett told TRP.

“We played some very good rugby at times and earned the right to play wide. The whole squad responded and stepped up when needed to.

“Fair play to Wasps, who never gave up scoring the tree tries that they toughly deserved.”

The hosts flew out of the blocks with Pearce, fly-half Aitcheson and Cokayne going over for the first three tries of the game.

Jariya Sime managed to get one back for Wasps but Hunt got Lichfield going again and by the end of the half they had the game and the try bonus-point in the bag.

Hall was the one with the all-important fifth try before Scarratt and wing Williams got their first of the game before the end of the half for a 39-5 lead.

Despite a host of changes, Lichfield picked up where they left off with Williams and Aitcheson scoring their second tries of the game. Scarratt converted both before Searcy made it 58-5 from a catch and drive.

Sarah Mimnagh made sure Wasps had a second try to their name despite the rout but even with Lichfield’s replacement hooker Becky Noon in the bin they conceded two further tries as Williams and Aitcheson completed their hattricks.

Hannah West secured Wasps third but Lichfield were determined to have the last word with one final try for superstar Scarratt.

Lichfield captain Justine Lucas added: “It was great to be back playing for the Red and Green family with my all the internationals back into club rugby.

“Wasps gave us a tough game, which was what we needed to perform at our best.”