Smith stars in lion-hearted performance - The Worcester Observer

Smith stars in lion-hearted performance

Worcester Editorial 28th Sep, 2016 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

VALKYRIES’ back Kelly Smith scored two tries as GB Lions finished third in the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Sevens Series in France on Sunday.

Smith crossed the whitewash in Lions’ opening pool game against Belgium, before storming over the tryline again against Ireland to help her team qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament.

After beating Belgium 21-12 and Italy 14-12, Lions’ suffered a 27-5 defeat to Ireland which left them runners-up of Pool C in Malemort on Saturday.

Lions’ then saw off Wales, who played as the GB Royals, 14-5 in the quarter-finals on Sunday, before falling to France 22-19 in the semi-finals.




However, Smith and co claimed third place after beating Ireland 12-5 courtesy of tries from Abbie Brown and Lotte Clapp.

Head coach Simon Middleton said: “This is a group that wants to be defined by their ability to compete hard in every game and they have a desire to win whatever it takes.


“We’re at the start of what will be a very steep learning curve and this tournament was the first examination of their ability to learn and adapt quickly.

“The competition was a great credit to their resilience, which is one of the most critical factors in sevens.”

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Worcester Observer newspaper.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.