Promising youngsters Jemima Moss and Jess Kershaw impressed for Warriors Women during their 17-0 Allianz Cup victory over Saracens, highlighting the club’s successful pathway system.
Second-row Moss and on loan Worcester RFC scrum-half Kershaw both came through the club’s Centre of Excellence programme spearheaded by Head of Women’s Development Benny Williams.
The duo took Sunday’s game by storm as Jo Yapp’s side got their cup campaign off to a winning start at a cold and blustery Sixways Stadium.
“The Allianz Cup campaign is really exciting as it gives players like me, Jess and Sara Moreira the opportunity to get valuable game time, which will really develop our game,” said Moss.
“We made a good start and when we were 10-0 up at half-time, we spoke about keeping it going and we definitely did that in the second half both in defence and attack.
“Forwards Coach Liza Burgess has been amazing, and she has really improved us as a pack – she has been crucial to improving our breakdown, and it showed.”
Tries from Vicky Laflin and Cara Brincat, coupled with Ellen Murphy’s outrageous goal-kicking secured a memorable victory for Warriors.
Kershaw was the catalyst for a slick, high tempo game thanks to her speed of distribution at the breakdown as Warriors played the majority of the contest on the front foot.
“It was really good to play my first game for the team and I’m really happy with the way I played,” said Kershaw.
“Benny Williams has been working really hard behind the scenes and she’s constantly looking at us and feeding into Jo and Sian.
“They are all mindful of developing youth and I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to play against Saracens.”
Forwards Coach Liza Burgess was full of praise for her charges, reserving a special mention for Warrior of the Match Charlotte Wright Haley, who was causing mayhem with ball in hand.
“The girls have been training incredibly hard and there were some fantastic performances out there, with Charlotte Wright Haley in the back-row and Carmen Tremelling going up against Rocky in the front-row really impressing.
“The win and more importantly, the performance, showed how much strength in depth we have and there is a really exciting future ahead for the team.”
Following a bye week, Warriors Women return to action against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday 13 November.