WESTCLIFF'S ladies side are through to the Papa Johns National Plate Final after a convincing 59-26 semi final victory against Worthing Warriors.

Westcliff will now face Workington Ladies in the final which will be held at Sixways Stadium in Worcester on Saturday May 11.

And coach Kay Edwards is proud of the how well her side have played to make it through.

“The team have performed exceptionally well throughout the season and are deserving of a place at a national final,” said Edwards.

“Each player has committed to improving game by game and coaching such a hard working and dedicated group of players is a pleasure.

“Regardless of the result in May the Lionesses will end the season on a high now playing a great brand of rugby”

Despite the final score-line in the semi-final it was Worthing who started the brighter of the sides, getting the first try of the day.

But it did not take long for Westcliff to get back into the game, with Charlotte Grant dotting down to get her side on the board.

From the resulting restart, Martha Smith ran down the wing with some tricky footwork for her first try of the day.

Captain Sophie Scanlon and fullback Yaz Underdown added to the scoreboard, as did Worthing meaning Westcliff went into half-time leading 33-14.

With the wind against Westcliff in the second half, they were forced to battle hard as Worthing put them under pressure.

The Sussex side scored three times but it was not enough as Westcliff ran in four of their own with Underdown adding some outstanding conversions to seal the victory.

Westcliff have also performed well in Women’s NC 2 South East (East) this season and face an exciting top of the table clash with Thurrock’s second team this weekend.

Unbeaten Thurrock currently lead the way with 48 points from 10 games which puts them two points clear of second placed Westcliff who have played a game more.

Westcliff have been beaten just twice in the league this term and sit six points clear of third placed Southend with just this weekend’s game to go.