FORMER Worcester ladies player Heather Fisher helped England Women overpower New Zealand to win the final of the Langford Sevens, their first Series Cup title since 2013.

England came through the first day disappointed, finishing second in Pool C after losing to Canada.

However, Simon Middleton’s side came back fighting to put in dominant displays against the USA and World Rugby HSBC Women’s Sevens Series leaders Australia to reach the final.

New Zealand were first off the mark in a first half that contained five tries, but it was England that led 19-14 at the break, with two tries from Fisher, who nows plays for Thurrock, was later awarded player of the final.

Joanne Watmore followed up her first half try with a second from a counter ruck and despite a strong battle, England's experience and fitness shone through to put the game out of New Zealand’s reach and a final score of 31-14.

England’s 15-5 semi-final against Australia saw the side cause a major upset in the Series as it was the first time this season that Australia didn't win a round, having claimed top prize in Dubai, Sao Paulo and Atlanta.

Captain Emily Scarratt’s breakaway try in the first half was followed up by further touch downs from 20-year-old Abbie Brown and a sprint break from Watmore.

England opened the second day with a decisive 29-7 win of the USA, with Watmore and Danielle Waterman, making her first Series appearance following 13 months on the side lines, both scoring twice.

Reflecting on the final win, Scarratt said: “It was an awesome first half. There was a bit of ping pong to start, with tries scored and conceded but the girls dug deep.

“We’ve had a good couple of weeks out here in America and Canada and it’s been a really long while for an England Women’s Sevens team to get something like this in our hands and so we’re over the moon.”

Coach Simon Middleton added: “The girl’s put in a spectacular day of rugby. These tournaments are all about day two as we have just proved as our performances all day were sensational.

"We didn’t have a great day one but we dusted ourselves off and the girls have shown what a talented group they are and what great shape they are in.”

With under four months to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Middleton added: “We came into this double legger [Atlanta and Langford] wanting to get certain results to progress as a squad and we got that.”

Heading into the final round in Clermont-Ferrand, France on 28-29 May, England remain third in the overall Series standings, but now sit just four points behind New Zealand’s 64, with Australia well ahead on 76.

England Women Sevens squad for Langford: Heather Fisher, Natasha Hunt, Sarah Mckenna, Katy Mclean, Alice Richardson, Emily Scarratt (C), Emily Scott, Danielle Waterman, Jo Watmore, Kay Wilson, Amy Wilson.

Hardy Cup final:

England 31-14 New Zealand Tries: Fisher (2), Richardson (2), Watmore Conversions: Mclean (3).

Cup semi-final:

Australia 5-15 England Tries: Scarratt, Brown, Watmore.

Cup quarter final:

USA 7-29 England Tries: Waterman (2), Watmore (2), Fisher Conversions: Mclean (2).

England Pool C results:

England v Ireland 29-5, England v Japan 28–22, Canada v England 5–0.