WORCESTER Valkyries qualified for the Women’s Senior Cup Plate semi-finals despite slipping to a 34-14 defeat to Aylesford Bulls at Sixways.

Aylesford produced a dominant first half, scoring four tries courtesy of Holly Myers and a hat-trick from prop Deirbhile Nic A Bhaird to lead 22-0.

Valkyries’ Heather Cowell scored a sensational try from her own 22 in a promising start to the second period.

But Jess Wooden and Hannah Field dived over to secure a place in the Cup semi-finals for Bulls.  Cowell added her second try at the death.

Wooden added two conversions for Bulls with Ceri Large and Megan Goddard kicking one each for Worcester.

Despite the loss Donna Kennedy’s Worcester side will take on Thurrock on Sunday, March 12, at Sixways as they look to book a place in the Plate final. 

Valkyries secured two wins from four Senior Cup games.

Worcester travel to Aylesford on Sunday, March 26, for their final Women’s Premiership match of the season.