Wasps looked dominant for much of the first half, and converted their superior share of possession and territory into points after 20 minutes when, at a scrum, No9 Amy Turner exploited the gap left by Clifton’s early breaking back row to dart through from ten yards out to score.

Wasps continued to look confident in attack after the turn around, and fly half Shelley Rae was able to slot a straightforward penalty to maintain the 5 point lead after Clifton had pulled back with their own 3 pointer at the end of the first half.  Despite two more good penalty opportunities, Wasps were unable to add to their lead as the game entered the final quarter and Clifton, sniffing their chance, heaped the pressure on Wasps.  Sucking in the Wasps midfield with some barrelling runs by centres and back row, Clifton opened up the space to equalise on several occasions, and a combination of poor decision making by Clifton and determined cover defence by Wasps made for an exciting close to the encounter.  After an extended period of extra time, in which Clifton threw all they had at Wasps, the girls in black emerged victorious, having put on an exemplary display of defensive tackling.  Captain Rhian Williams duly received the  Shield from RFU President Gill Burns before an appreciative crowd on the pitch after the match.

It was also the second title with the squad for coaching duo Giselle Mather and Theresa O’Reilly. Head coach Mather, described by O’Reilly as “a massive inspiration to the players,” paid her own tribute to her playing and coaching squad after the match.

“It’s a huge privilege to work with a group of such talented and committed athletes, and the atmosphere at the club this year has been second to none.

 We have built this squad through a two-year coaching programme, and this second title is a reflection of their progress and achievement over that period. 

 Our defence today won us the game, the forwards work rate was amazing and the backs worked hard to succeed despite the greasy ball. 

 Our achievements this year reflect the players ability to retain and build on the skills and tactics that we have introduced to them over the last two seasons, and their ability to play with composure and self belief in the most testing of situations.

On future prospects, Mather was characteristically positive.

“It’s a huge achievement to win the second successive league title, but the players are still keen for the National Cup.  We have the semi-final coming up in May, and it’s a long time since Wasps had out hands on that silverware.”

Two out of two for Wasps

Wasps Ladies 2XV also received their second league title in as many years, claiming the National Premier Division 2 title for the second year in a row on Sunday.  Captain Brydie Canham accepted the League Shield from RFUW President Burns in the clubhouse, after Blackheath had conceded Wasps 2XV final league fixture of the season earlier in the week.