Catherine Spencer speaks of mixed-emotions after England lose Women's Rugby World Cup final 13-10 to New Zealand
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by Alex Hoad
England captain Catherine Spencer says she has mixed-emotions
after the 13-10 defeat to New Zealand in the final of the Women's
Rugby World Cup.
The former Folkestone youngster (pictured) - now 31 and
playing No 8 for Bristol - scored her 18th test try in the
semi-final victory over Australia at Twickenham Stoop last
Wednesday, only to lose the final against the Black Ferns for the
third tournament in succession.
She was joined in the squad by Canterbury's Amy Garnett, 34, a
former Littlebourne Primary School and Barton Court Grammar School
pupil who now plays hooker for Saracens and is England's most
capped player of all time.
Also featuring was Rachel Burford, former Medway junior
from Chatham who attended Lordswood Junior School and Thomas
Aveling School.
After the World Cup the 24-year-old Richmond centre will
become an RFU Community Rugby Coach for Kent.
Spencer said: "We’re all absolutely gutted that we lost and lost
by only three points. I’ve got mixed emotions. I’m really proud of
the girls and what we’ve done not only in this tournament but for
the last couple of years but I’m absolutely devastated that we
didn’t win.
“We beat New Zealand in November and we were confident we could
do it again. We’re really proud of our defence. The first 20
minutes was like a New Zealand onslaught but we kept them away from
our line and they didn’t score which was awesome.
"Unfortunately we just didn’t quite get enough time in their
half and couldn’t keep hold of possession.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere and listening to the national
anthem being sung at the start was a moment in my life that I’ll
never forget.”
Spencer said she had considered retirement after the tournament
but the manner of the heroic defeat against a side who has only
lost three games in its 20-year history - meant she feels she has
unfinished business in the sport.
What did you make of England's brave defeat? Have your
say below.
Monday, September 06 2010
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