Sports Gazette

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USA and England into Women’s RugbyX Final

RugbyX got underway at The O2 arena, and was an instant success with the crowd and players alike.

In the women’s competition the first semi-final saw home side England take on France, a rivaly that always counts, know matter what the format.

This was a high scoring brutal affair that saw England progress to the final after a 35-20 victory. England took a 5-0 lead after only 2 seconds, a RugbyX record that will take some beating.

As is the nature of this game the lead changed multiple times, but England were able to see off a spirited French fightback with some fantastic defence. At one point this 10 minute match went 2 minutes without either side conceding a try. In such a fast game this rearguard action from both sides was incredibly impressive to witness.

England’s Heather Fisher was the difference in the closing stages as she ran in a wonderful try after some slick work on the wing. The home crowd were ecstatic and made their voices heard throughout Le Crunch. 

Picture by Stella Pictures/@stellapicsltd 07813022858

Women’s favourites USA started with a bang and defeated their Irish counterparts, 30-15. Co-captain Alev Kelter with the honour of the first RugbyX hat-trick that saw a spirited Irish side brushed aside with relative ease.

Post-match co-captain Kayla Canett said: “It’s a very exciting form of the game, you have to be turned on at every second. Going into the final we will be looking at what we can do a little bit better, and to have fun out there.”

“It’s a professional setting, and something I hope continues, it was extremely fun to play,” added Kelter.

Up next in the evening session, Ireland vs France in the bronze medal play-off and England vs USA to be crowed inaugural Women’s RugbyX Champions.

Picture by Stella Pictures/@stellapicsltd 07813022858

Author

  • Thomas Clark

    Thomas has been obsessively involved with sport his whole life, whether that be playing, watching or writing about it, sport has always played a huge role in his life. Thomas has lived on four continents and has taken his love of sport with him wherever he has been, his travels have taken him to over 50 countries and counting. He has attended three football World Cups and three European Championships, two Olympic Games, and countless other sporting events. Thomas is currently studying for his MA in Sports Journalism at St Mary's University and is the 2019-2020 Editor of the Sports Gazette.