May 22nd, 2006
The season finale of the Women’s Super League series lived up to all expectations on Sunday at Moseley RFC with the Tornadoes taking the spoils at the final hurdle.
After six rounds and 12 matches England Women’s head coach Geoff Richards’ side turned the tables to take the title from Amanda Bennett’s Hurricanes outfit, whose side hadn’t lost a game until Sunday’s match. And they did it in style, taking a bonus point 26-10 victory.
Richards said: “After six rounds and playing our final game in atrocious weather conditions I am delighted that the team delivered when it really mattered to take the title.
“The Hurricanes were hampered by losing some key players like Jenny Sutton and Vicky Massarella, but we dominated the game from the start and the girls ticked every box to run in four tries.”
Tornadoes captain and Wasps player Karen Jones led by example with the first of four tries for the victors, with Richmond’s Shannon Baker, Worcester’s Susie Appleby and Saracens’ Maggie Alphonsi all touching down. Wasps fly-half Shelley Rae added three conversions. The Hurricanes’ tally came from two tries from Louisa Latter and Amy Turner.
In the other match England assistant coach Graham Smith saw his Thunder side earn their first win of the tournament with a 17-5 victory over the Stormers.
Richards added: “The Super League series has achieved everything we wanted it to. The concept of the tournament was to allow a broader base of players a chance to come together and play a higher level of competition on a regular basis as we prepare for the Rugby World Cup. That has certainly happened with all the games closely fought.
“I would also like to thank the clubs for supporting Super League in its first year and supporting our quest to win the Rugby World Cup this summer. Super League has certainly helped our preparations for the tournament and for the clubs I anticipate that their players will be returning as much improved all-round athletes.”
Super League Final Standings
Team P W D L For Against Diff Pts
Tornadoes 6 4 0 2 161 64 95 20
Hurricanes 6 4 1 1 127 84 43 19
Stormers 6 2 0 3 66 94 -28 10
Thunder 6 1 1 4 69 167 -98 8
Ends…
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