FLY-HALF Vicky Foxwell landed a last-minute penalty to clinch a first win for Worcester Valkyries in the Tyrrells Premier 15s Development League, edging Darlington Mowden Park 22-21.
Foxwell’s penalty rewarded Valkyries for their resilience after the visitors had hit back strongly in the third quarter.
Foxwell and openside flanker Charlie Wilcock crossed for first-half tries for Valkyries, both after excellent phase play, which gave them a 12-7 lead.
The start of the second half was delayed because a DMP player required treatment for an injury sustained in the final minute of the first period.
DMP started the half better and scored two converted tries following some poor defensive work by Valkyries.
Valkyries were still trailing with five minutes to go but patient approach work created space for Thea Thompson to cross for a converted try and Foxwell then settled the issue with her last-gasp penalty.
The win lifts Valkyries to eighth in the table, but just a point off fifth place.
Valkyries pair Lydia Thompson and Lark Davies attended an England training camp at the weekend.
Wing Thompson, a Women’s World Cup winner in 2014, returned to the squad after a spell playing for the England Sevens.
Hooker Davies, Valkyries captain in the Tyrrells Premier 15s, has won 10 England caps in four seasons including her first-ever start in last season’s Six Nations against Italy.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here