Categories
Rugby

England Red Roses keep their winning streak alive after a 48-15 result over Australia Wallaroos

Photo taken by Jess Deakin for Constancy Sport (@byjessdeakin on Instagram)

Despite going into the break on a losing score, the world champions came out on top after an eight-try thriller. A first for Red Roses Rugby as they played in Manchester for the first time as over 9,000 fans turned up for the occasion. 

Australia started off sharply with the visitors securing a penalty in the opening three minutes which was scored by Samantha Wood, straight in line with the posts. Australia looked bright on the defence to prevent England with the tries, and many fans were reminded of last year’s World Cup meeting as Australia flew early out of the blocks. 

Both sides had a try disallowed in the opening 30 minutes as shots from Meg Jones and Brittany Merlo were both chalked off. With 13 minutes on the clock, Australian Scrum-half Samantha Wood was off for 10 minutes after a foul on Tatyana Heard. England had good connections throughout but failed to find the ultimate player on the wing to help them through. In the 18th minute, we saw our first try of the game and it’s from Yorkshire-born Red Rose Abi Burton after the play from Holly Aitchison and Sadia Kabeya, moved through the channels. 

With 10 minutes of the half to go, Faliki Pohiva added a try to Australia’s already growing score with Samantha Wood finding the conversion and adding another two. Pohiva breezed past a number of English bodies to reach the try line and Australia were ahead again. Both sides did well to continue to dominate, with both teams struggling to capitalise on loose balls from time to time. 

Coming into the half-time break, Australia have already got more points in this fixture compared to their last three games vs the opponents, England. Their latest fixture was on 6th September last year where England won 47-7. 

Half-time: England 5-10 Australia

Photo taken from Jess Deakin for Constancy Sport (@byjessdeakin on Instagram)

Both teams were bright at the start of the second half with England getting the first points of the half after a try from May Campbell with the resulting conversion also through from Holly Aitchison. After a lot of driving through the Australian team, May Campbell got the final name on the scoresheet with Aitchison getting her first points on her 50th cap. Just a couple minutes after the opener of the half, Meg Jones added her name to the sheet after a vision from Holly Aitchison and her shot was through the defence, finding Jones but Aitchison failed to find the extra points. 

Bryony Field was only on for a couple minutes before getting her first try on her debut as she found movement, powering through the second drive but Aitchison missed the conversion, failing to add extra points. With acres of space just under the posts, Mia Venner adds another try to the scoresheet but under tricky conditions new fly-half Zoe Harrison missed the conversion. Following the England try in the 57th minute, Eva Karpani found herself in the Sin-Bin after being the replacement prop. Just minutes after the one previously,  they found their sixth try as Sadia Kabeya came through at the right time as England were continually attempting to move the ball but Australia were having none of it. 

The Red Roses continued to pile on the pressure to Australia, but Lucy Packer found the loose ball after a high pass on the tryline for Australia, tipping it over the defender and down for the five. Back to back conversions came for Zoe Harrison after missing her first one after coming on. With just 6 minutes left on the clock, Eva Karpani got a try back for the visitors as her drive included her bouncing off three defenders before securing the try for the Wallaroos. 

Finishing off the triumphant win was Claudia Moloney-MacDonald adding herself to the scoresheet. Her effort including her sprinting down the left wing to secure an eighth try and a busy second half for the side that was behind with Zoe Harrison also adding the conversion to her tally chart after coming on. 

Full-time: England 48-15 Australia

What’s next in the WVX Series: Next up, England face Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter on Saturday 19th September with Australia heading to France at the Stade Maurice David, Aix-en-Provence on the same day. 

Teams: 

England: Carson (1), Campbell (2), Bern (3), Burns (4), Campion (5), Burton (6), Kabeya (7), Feaunati (8), Hunt (9), Aitchison (10), Moloney-MacDonald (11), Heard (12), Jones (13), Venner (14), Kildunne (15). 

Replacements: Field (16), Botterman (17), Muir (18), Talling (19), M.Packer (20), L.Packer (21), Harrison (22), Rowland (23). 

Tries: Burton (18’), Campbell (46’), Jones (50’), Field (54’), Veneer (56’), Kabeya (60’), L Parker (66’), Moloney-MacDonald (77’). 

Conversions: Aitchison (47’), Harrison (61’, 67’, 78’) 

Australia: Hoy (1), Merlo (2), Pchiva (3), Leaney (4), Leonard (5), Tapsell (6), Bone (7), Palu Sekona (8), Wood (9), Ellis (10), Miller (11), Moleka (12), Friedrichs (13), Whitaker (14), Halse (15). 

Replacements: Naden (16), Sikimeti (17), Karpani (18), Bemrose (19), Duck (20), Chancellor (21), Hinds (22), Smith (23). 

Tries: Pohiva (31’), Karpani (73’)

Conversions: Wood (32’)

Penalties: Wood (3’) 

Categories
WSL

Reigning WSL Champions on top vs WSL2 Champions during the opening fixture  

Screenshot

photo taken from @mancitywomen on Instagram

A tough opener for the WSL2 Champions as Reigning Champions, Manchester City won 3-1 against Birmingham City. A double from Khadija Shaw and a Mary Fowler goal helped City win all three points against the newly promoted side with Oceane Hurte getting the goal. 

Birmingham had multiple chances in the opening five minutes as Oceane Hurte opened her WSL account but failed to find the back of the net on both attempts. Just minutes later, Lauren Hemp fired a cross into Bunny Shaw but her header from close range was saved. Triple chance, one after another from the hosts failed to find the back of the net as Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp both had attempts which failed. 

Sophie Baggaley performed spectacularly for the newly promoted side as save after save helped her side in the first half against the Champions. The hosts were testing the side with efforts from Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp and Aoba Fujino but all were saved or blocked. 

It wasn’t all the hosts with the chances. Birmingham City also provided with Oceane Hurte and Lily Crosthwaite both having attempts but most of their first half consisted of blocking the shots. 

Half-time: Manchester City 0-0 Birmingham City 

After a frustrating first half, Manchester City opened the scoring in the 49th minute from Australian Forward, Mary Fowler. Her effort from the near side of the goal was fired in from 12 yards out, which marked the club’s 1,000 goal as a professional club. Just 10 minutes later, the home side doubled their lead after a header from Khadija Shaw. She had many attempts from her head in the first half but finally got one in the back of the net after a corner from Kerstin Casparij. 

Both sides continued to have chances throughout including a shot from Lauren Hemp, who was making her 200th appearance, but was comfortably saved by Sophie Baggaley. Just four minutes left of the 90, Khadija Shaw added her second of the day and a second header for the Jamaican International. Beth Mead crossed the ball in from a corner with her effort going into the back net from close range.

On the 90 minute mark, Oceane Hurte scored Birmingham’s only goal of the game as she stole the ball from Jade Rose outside the box with her effort finding the back of the net past Ayaka Yamashita. 

Full-time: Manchester City 3-1 Birmingham City 

What’s next: 

Manchester City next travel to Aston Villa for a 6:30pm kick off on Sunday 13th September, meanwhile Birmingham City host Brighton and Hove Albion on the same day at 2pm. 

Manchester City: 

Starting 11: Yamashita, Rose, Greenwood © (Wamser 74’), Fowler (Mead 61’), Shaw, Hemp, Casparij (Beney 61’), Blindkilde Brown (Coffey 74’), Fujino, Hasegawa, Prior.  

Unused Substitutes: Cumings, Wienroither, Davies, Davis, Beckinsale

Yellow Cards: Mead (83’) 

Goals: Khadija Shaw (55’, 86’), Mary Fowler (49’) 

Birmingham City: 

Starting 11: Baggaley, Levasseur, Lee Geum-min (Amano 84’), Naalsund (Miyagawa 46’), Leidhammar (Cornet 57’), Crosthwaite, McKenna, Turner ©, Hurte, Sarri (Effa Effa 72’), Herron. 

Unused Substitutes: Thomas, Startup, Harris, Cooke, Holloway. 

Yellow Cards: Effa Effa (90+3’) 

Goals: Oceane Hurte (90’)

Categories
WSL

Arsenal beat Brighton 1-0 on the opening weekend of the WSL

Screenshot

photo taken from @bhafcwomen on X

On Sunday the 6th, Arsenal travelled south to Broadfield Stadium to take on the Seagulls in what was a cagey and frustrating fixture. Brighton pushed for an equaliser but ultimately the Gunners did enough to secure a crucial 3 points.

The game kicked off with high intensity and both sides quickly matched the oppositions energy. The first real chance came early on with a great piece of vision from Chiamaka Nnadozie who spotted Kiko Seike charging forward and released the ball, which opened up a positive spell of play for Brighton.

Shortly after, Arsenal WSL debutant Lisa Baum, received the ball down the left wing and thundered an incredible strike off the crossbar and into the back of the net; 1-0 to the Gunners. This goal advantage ignited the travelling side and their loyal fans, who thrived off this momentum and continued to force pressure up front. 

Brighton soon responded and were awarded a few free kicks from promising positions, however the players struggled to connect with these crosses into the box. Instead, they found most success through Japanese forward, Kiko Seike, who was causing trouble on the wing for Ona Battle in their 1v1 moments.

Equally, Arsenal also had opportunities to add to the scoreboard. Olivia Smith’s swinging corner in the 27th minute was met by Steph Catley who headed the ball into the hands of Nnadowzie. Mariona Caldentey also had a go herself, releasing a long-range shot, again saved by the strong hands of Brighton’s keeper.

The first half drew to a close with some scrappy moments and fouls for both teams. It was interesting to see the battlesforming all over the field, which were starting to shape the game. 

The home side came out the tunnel looking fired up for the second half, creating a set-piece opportunity in the final third early on, looking in much more control all over the field, offering increased crosses in the box and pressing high. 

In the opening 45, although Arsenal wasn’t able to capitalise on their advantage, they looked to have more of a grasp of the game. In comparison, after half-time the Gunners were more vulnerable and unable to hold on to possession. However, on the counter, they looked dangerous at times especially through new signings Lisa Baum and Georgia Stanway- standouts from the match. The Brighton backline, specifically Manuela Vanegas did a great job of keeping the relentless Alessia Russo out of the game as well as their other attacking threats. 

Lacking creativity up front, Renee Slegers substituted onto the field Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord. The duo had their bright moments but similarly couldn’t efficiently break down the Albion’s defence, which summed up Arsenal’s attacking performance of the game. 

In turn, Brighton utilised the valuable playmaker of Fran Kirby who intelligently picked up the ball centrally on several occasions, then drilled the ball out wide to Seike. Much to the frustration of the players and fans, they weren’t able tosignificantly challenge goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez and find the back of the net.

After a break in momentum (due to substitutions and Lia Walti going down with an injury) the game did pick up in the closing moments with both teams pushing at either end, but the scoreline remained 1-0.

 

Brighton: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Manuela Vanegas, Moeka Minami, Maisie Symonds, Madison Haley, Kiko Seike, Lia Walti, Fran Kirby, Caitlin Hayes, Marisa Olislagers, Charlie Rule

Substitutions Used: Emilie Joramo, Olivia Garcia, Emily Murphy, Olaug Tvedten, Sophie Peskett

 

Arsenal: Misa, Emily Fox, Georgia Stanway, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Mariona Caldentey, Kim Little, Olivia Smith, Lisa Baum, Ona Battle, Alessia Russo

Substitutions Used: Chloe Kelly, Cailtin Foord, Stina Blackstenius, Smilla Holmberg, Frida Maanum

Goal Scorer: Lisa Baum

Categories
Basketball

Key players to watch in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 

Photo taken from @usabasketball on instagram

The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup starts tomorrow as 16 teams aim for one title, World Champions. USA are reigning champions and there are many WNBA players featuring in this year’s competition: here are some players to watch. 

Australia: Jade Melbourne and Ezi Magbegor 

Melbourne and Magbegor both play for Seattle Storm in the WNBA where they currently sit bottom heading into the break after only winning eight games. Jade Melbourne plays as a guard and has spent three years in the top league after being drafted in 2022 becoming the 33rd pick, where she was picked up by Seattle Storm. This season, she is averaging 9.5 points per game, as well as 3.9 assists per game making her a player to watch for Australia from the WNBA. 

Ezi Magbegor was drafted in 2019, being the 12th pick and has six years experience in the WNBA. The forward-center player was a WNBA Champion in 2022, An All-Star in 2023 and in the All-defensive team four times. She has been with the Storm since her draft night and this season on average has 6.9 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game and 1.8 assists per game making her a player to keep your eye on during the World Cup. 

Games (all in BST times): 

Australia vs Puerto Rico – Friday 4th at 10:30am 

Turkey vs Australia – Sunday 6th at 10:30am 

Belgium vs Australia – Monday 7th at 10:30am 

France: 

Leila Lacan and Carla Leite are two of France’s upcoming talents with this only being their third year in the WNBA, where both was picked one after another in the 2024 draft. Leila Lacan plays her basketball at Connecticut Sun where the Guard was picked 10th overall. Her averages this season are making her a player to watch this campaign after playing for a team out of play off contention. Her stats of 11.6 points per game and 4.6 assists per game are making the youngster an upcoming talent for the WNBA. 

Carla Leite has had a standout season so far for the new franchise, Portland Fire. After coming into the WNBA, she started with Dallas Wings before transferring to Golden State Valkyries in the Expansion Draft where she also spent last season. With 15.5 points per game average, she is becoming a young player to watch especially for a French side that is coming off a silver medal in the Olympics. 

Games (all in BST times):

Hungary vs France – Friday 4th at 8pm 

France vs South Korea – Saturday 5th at 7:45pm 

Nigeria vs France – Monday 7th at 1:30pm 

Spain: 

Rookie Awa Fam just joined the Seattle Storm side this season and is already having an impact for the squad. Her charm and play is improving match by match and hopes it reflects in the National team for the tournament. The 20 year old was picked third in this year’s draft behind Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles and is a Eurobasket Silver Medalist for Spain. She also became the youngest player to play for Valencia Basket at just 15 years old. The Center’s statistics are also impressive with an average of 10.6 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game making her a young player to watch statistics wise. 

Games (all in BST times): 

Spain vs Germany – Friday 4th at 4:45pm 

Mali vs Spain – Saturday 5th at 10:30am 

Japan vs Spain – Monday 7th at 4:50pm 

USA: 

Paige Bueckers is definitely not underrated but always a player to watch when a new tournament comes around. She was the number one pick last season for the Dallas Wings with the Guard only in her sophomore season in the WNBA. She was a WNBA All-Star two years in a row and was the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2025. This season alone, she is averaging 20.5 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game and 5.9 assists per game which is making her a player to watch as she hopes to get USA back to back Champions despite it being her first major tournament under the USA name. 

Games (all in BST times):

USA vs China – Friday 4th at 1:15pm 

Italy vs USA – Sunday 6th at 7:45pm 

USA vs Czech Republic – Monday 7th at 7:45pm 

Categories
WSL

West Ham hope for improved season with nine new additions

Image via @westhamwomen on Instagram

As the transfer window draws to a close, it’s no secret that West Ham have had one of the busiest summers in England with nine signings and ten outgoings to date. Within this, they’ve secured the signatures of a strong mix of experience and youth, adding to the already stacked squad.

In January, the club saw five new additions  as well as a manger to their squad and it has since become clear that Rita Guarino joined the side with a mission: to win.

Their first purchase of the summer came in the form of Katie Zelem from London City Lionesses. She spent the second half of the 25/26 season on loan to the club and is a proven leader, having captained Manchester United for five years. With the recent departure of Katrina Gorry, there’s a high likelihood that she will pick up this role once more whilst Claret & Blue.

Next came Constance Picaud, a France international goal keeper with experience in both the Champions league and on the international stage. The keeper amassed 8 clean sheets in 22 games last season and with the recent departure of Kinga Szemik, it seems like a move well fitted for the 28 year old.

A seemingly surprising announcement was revealed next with Laia Codina switching North London for East. The defender won the world cup with Spain in 2023 and has three champions league titles to her name – two with Barcelona and one with Arsenal. With a lack of playing time last season, Codina will be looking to become a regular starter for the Hammers side.

Nadine Riesen quickly became the club’s fourth summer signing, joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. The Swiss international joins after three years in Germany, even playing in the Champions League during her tenure and is likely to be first choice at right back after the recent injury to Tuva Hansen.

The Hammers next couple of signings looked slightly different in Sienna Wareing and niamh Peacock. The duo joined from Manchester United and Arsenal’s academies, and despite not having huge amounts of senior footballing experience, they have a good understanding of the English playing style so their moves are likely to be seamless, both proving as good additions to the West Ham squad.

Ebony Salmon switched one type of Claret and Blue for another this summer, making the move from Aston Villa to West ham earlier this year. The forward struggled to find her form last season, often featuring for the Villains from the bench so will be hoping for more regular game time in order to improve her performances in the season ahead.

Estelle Cascarino was thought to be leaving West Ham after the conclusion of her loan this summer, however she recently signed a three year deal with the Hammers, keeping her at the club until 2029. The 29 year old plays primarily as a centre back and has prior league experience at Manchester United in 2023. Her time at Juventus didn’t quite go to plan with a lack of opportunities over the past couple of years and she joins former teammate, Lia Walti in returning to the WSL this summer.

The club’s most recent signing saw Kelly Gago join the club from Everton after just 18 months in the North West. The striker scored a total of ten goals in her time at the club, but after missing several matches last season, the striker will be looking to improve her tally this year.

West Ham had an influx of player departures this summer, including captain and vice-captain duo, Katrina Gorry and Shelina Zadorsky. With Gorry taking time out of football and Zadorsky moving back to her home country, Canada to play, the club will be looking to newer  arrivals to fill their shoes this season, a massive jump from seasons prior.

Other departures saw striker, Shakiera Martinez join Tottenham Hotspur, Vereana Hanshaw and Camila Saez move to clubs overseas and both Jessie Stapleton and Jess Ziu both join Leicester City. Emily Taylor Brown also moved to AFC Wimbledon and Soraya Walsh joined Aberdeen in the SWPL.

West Ham’s transfer window has been a huge jump from previous seasons, and whilst there is lots of change within the squad, they got their business done early, putting themselves in the best possible position for the season ahead. Newcomers have had a full season to gel with the team and transfers saw all the replacements needed, so it’ll be interesting to see how the club shape up in the upcoming season.