England Women Sevens celebrate

England Women Sevens were crowned champions of the first round of the FIRA/AER European Grand Prix today (Sunday) with a hard fought 24-20 Cup Final victory over host side Russia.

England, who went into this tournament with a young side including three new caps, took the tournament victory – their first of the season – with an impressive squad effort that saw Russia come back into the game and challenge for honours in the closing stages.

Saracens’ Leanne Riley opened England’s account before Sarah McKenna and Francesca Matthews ran in tries before the break. At half-time England led comfortably 17-0 but after the restart Russia came back into the game running in three tries to England’s one. England, however, clung on as Russia ran out of time to make the final score 24-20.

England Women’s Sevens Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “I could not be more proud of the players today. We were going into the unknown this weekend with a young and inexperienced squad – I knew they were good players but we had to see them play on the front line as it were – and they have done a sublime job and exceeded all my expectations.

“The Final was a tough match indeed, taking on Russia in their own backyard and although we made a great start Russia came back at us like we knew they could. However, the players showed they have matured heads on young shoulders and kept their composure to hang on it there