WORCESTER Valkyries duo Kelly Smith and Heather Fisher helped England Women’s to fourth spot in the opening round of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Dubai.

Former Worcester players Alice Richardson and Jo Watmore also played for England, who lost lost 17-14 to Russia in the bronze final.

England came through the opening day to qualify for the cup play-offs but the side’s inexperience began to show.

They lost out to Olympic gold medallists and eventual tournament runners-up Australia in the semi-finals.

The Australians proved why they are current World Series title holders in the semi-final running out a 24-10 victory over England.

Earlier, England sealed a dramatic 19-17 victory over Fiji, courtesy of Richardson's late conversion after Fisher and Watmore (2) got on the scoresheet.

England finished day one in second spot in Pool C having found Canada too good.

Simon Middleton’s side were unable to see off the Olympic bronze medallists in the final pool contest, despite Watmore touching down first for her fourth try of the day as they lost 24-12.

England had started the day with two convincing wins after overcoming Brazil 28-7. Watmore was among the try scorers and Richardson kicked accurately.

Previously, Watmore notched her 50th World Series career try to get England off to a comfortable 31-7 victory over Spain.

England's results:

Bronze final: England 14, Russia 17.

Semi-final: England 10, Australia 24.

Quarter-final: England 19, Fiji 17.

Pool C:

England 31, Spain 7.

England 28, Brazil 7.

England 12, Canada 24.