WORCESTER Valkyries were pipped to a place in the Women’s Premiership Sevens final after losing 31-12 to Bristol.

Successive wins over Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, Aylesford Bulls Ladies and Richmond Ladies saw Worcester breeze through their pool.

But they fell at the semi-final stage at Broadstreet Rugby Club after a superb start from Bristol helped them see off Valkyries.

Bristol struck four times in the first period as they opened up an unassailable 24-0 lead into the break.

Worcester didn't give up as Josie Symonds and Sian Williams reduced the deficit with Ceri Large adding a conversion.

But Bristol's first-half dominance proved too much as they secured a place in the final at Ricoh Arena where they lost 29-7 to eventual champions Saracens.

In the pool stages, Lydia Thompson and Sam Bree helped themselves to a brace apiece as Valkyries defeated Darlington Mowden Park Sharks 29-12.

Bree then got on the scoresheet in Worcester’s 26-0 thrashing of Aylesford Bulls Ladies. Bianca Blackburn, debutant Alexia Mavroudis and Rhi Parker also crossed the whitewash.

Worcester’s place in the semi-final was secured with a 41-5 victory over Richmond Ladies.

Symonds was the pick of the scorers as she completed a hat-trick, with her final try coming in the death. Bree got two early tries, while Blackburn and Sarah Davey also touched down.