By RFU Press Office
July 12 2009

England Women crowned European 7s champions IRB Women's World Cup Plate Champions England today (Sunday) added the European 7s crown to their bulging silverware cabinet, beating Spain 20-12 in the final in Hanover, Germany.

England Women win European Sevens Championships

England's Claire Allan

England's last game was a thrilling contest with the Red Roses down to fiveplayers at one point during the 20-minute match. And after going 10-12 down in the second-half they came back out firing with Saracens' Claire Allan and Wasps' Heather Fisher touching down for two vital tries.

For Allan it was her second try in the final after she opened England's account closely followed by Amber Penrith.

England booked their place in the final after a dominant 44-0 victory over host side Germany, which saw them score eight tries, with Rachael Burford and Abi Chamberlain also adding conversions.

On route to the knock-out stages England touched down for 15 tries and conceded just one try when they took on France, Spain, Portugal and Sweden in the pool games.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: "The squad showed incredible determination today to come back from being two players down. The guts, courage and honour these players have is incredible especially after a long training period. We are delighted to have won the European 7s and to do so in such style is very impressive."

England 7s are coached by former England international Susie Appleby and Barry Maddocks, RFUW Club and Coach Officer.

Final

England 20 Spain 12

Squad: Green, Fisher, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Allan (2), Penrith, Fisher
Conversions:

Semi finals

England 44 Germany 0

Squad: Green, Fisher, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Burford, Turner, Allan (2), Leonard (2), Moulding, Guest
Conversions: Burford, Chamberlain

Pool games:

England 32 Portugal 0

Squad: Fisher, Moulding, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Penrith, Moulding 2, Allan, Burford, Leonard
Conversions: Chamberlain

England 7 Sweden 0:

Squad: Fisher, Moulding, Green, Guest, Chamberlain, Burford, Penrith
Tries: Allan
Conversions: Chamberlain

England 24 Spain 0:

Squad: Green, Fisher, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Penrith (3), Allan,
Conversions: Burford, Chamberlain

England 22 France 5:

Squad: Green, Fisher, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Penrith, Burford (2), Allan
Conversions: Burford.

England 7s squad

Claire Allan Saracens
Rachael Burford Saracens
Abi Chamberlain Worcester
Heather Fisher Wasps
Sonia Green Saracens
Sarah Guest Worcester
Jane Leonard Wasps
Lois Moulding Lichfield
Amber Penrith Cardiff Quins
Amy Turner Richmond