Watmore scores a hat-trick in Houston Final

Barry Maddocks’ side  matched their male counterparts Sevens success in New Zealand, and England’s double triumph in the RBS Six Nations against Scotland on Saturday with some impressive performances in Texas which saw them also defeat New Zealand twice over two days.

A hat-trick of tries for Worcester’s Joanne Watmore, who also dazzled in the XVs world after making her debut in the autumn, eased England to the Final win, which was evenly matched until the second half. There were also scores for Michaela Staniford, Katherine Merchant whilst skipper Alice Richardson added two conversions.

England Sevens Head Coach Maddocks said: “This is a brilliant weekend for England Rugby with a double in Sevens and a double in the Six Nations. Congratulations too to the Under 20s who also got off to a winning start. Certainly our players have been inspired by the performances back home and abroad.

“I am extremely pleased with the squad we brought over. They have all worked really hard whilst we have been here. These tournaments are a great opportunity to test ourselves and see where we are five months out from the World Cup. Whilst we played some really positive rugby we have also identified the areas we need to continue to improve on over the coming tournaments.”

England booked their place in the Final after a tough semi final clash against New Zealand – a side they had beaten 7-5 in the pool stages. Once again, the Black Ferns proved physically tough but some excellent work to keep them under pressure saw New Zealand crack at times whilst England showed some real pace and power to score through Watmore, Emily Scarratt and Staniford. Richardson added two conversions to take the 19-12 win.

England also saw off the Netherlands for a second time this weekend with a 17-7 quarter-final victory. Powerhouse Heather Fisher secured a brace of tries and Watmore also scored on her first touch of the ball after 30 seconds. Fisher also picked up the accolade of Player of the Tournament.

Results:

Final

England 29 USA 12

Tries: Watmore (3), Merchant, Staniford

Conversions: Richardson (2)

Semi Final

England 19 New Zealand 12

Tries: Watmore, Scarratt, Staniford

Conversions: Richardson

Quarter Final

England 19 Netherlands 14

Tries: Fisher (2), Watmore

Conversions: McLean (2)

Pool Games:

England 17 Netherlands 7

Tries: Laybourn (2) Merchant

Conversions: Richardson

England 48 Trinidad & Tobago 0

Tries: Packer (2), Matthews, McLean (2), Staniford (2), Hunt

Conversions: McLean (3), Richardson

England 7 New Zealand 5

Tries:  Hunt

Conversions: Richardson

Quarter-finals

England Netherlands

England Sevens

Heather Fisher (Worcester)

Sarah Guest (Worcester)

Natasha Hunt           (Lichfield)

Ruth   Laybourn       (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Alexandra      Matthews       (Richmond)

Katy    McLean          (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Katherine      Merchant       (Worcester)

Marlie Packer            (Bristol)

Alice   Richardson (C)         (Richmond)

Emily  Scarratt (VC) (Lichfield)

Michaela        Staniford        (Wasps)

Joanne          Watmore        (Worcester)