Not this time: Richmond’s Francesca Matthews could not prevent English defeat in the World Sevens Series
The Richmond quartet of Francesca Matthews, Abigail Chamberlain, Alexandra Matthews and Claire Allen could not win a second successive World Sevens Series title in the red and white of England.
Defending their crown in the final against New Zealand on Sunday proved a step too far and the women went down 19-5 in China.
England had reached the showpiece finale by beating USA, Fiji and China in the pool stage – conceding only 15 points in the process.
They then overcame the Netherlands (19-12) and Canada (19-0) before missing out on the top prize.
England Women are next in action at the Marriott London Sevens on May 11-12 at Twickenham stadium, looking to win their second London title on the trot.
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