LITTLE Sutton flanker Gemma Sharples has been selected for England Women’s Elite Squad for the forthcoming autumn internationals.
The selection puts the Worcester Ladies player in contention for the historic game at Twickenham on November 21 where England Ladies will take on New Zealand’s Black Ferns after England’s men have tackled their male counterparts – the All Blacks – in front of 82,000 fans.
The match is one of a three-test series for the women, who have enjoyed a successful 2009 winning the Nations Cup and the Six Nations with key contributions from 26-year-old Gemma.
The PE teacher, now based in Bath, has already been part of an England side which has overcome New Zealand, scoring the winning try in a tight 14-10 victory over the Aotearo Maori sevens team in the Emirates Sevens tournament at Twickenham in 2008.
But the recognition of playing at the same fixture as the higher-profile men’s team, coached by Martin Johnson, is a massive boost to the women’s game.
Ellesmere Port face a big home derby clash with Capenhurst on Saturday in South Lancs/Cheshire Three.
Dave Layder’s side are expecting a tough game from the newly-promoted side, who fell down the leagues a couple of seasons ago but have bounced back with a vengeance to claw their way up the tiers.
“Capenhurst were very strong in their league last year and they have continued that,” said Layder.
“I suppose it is a derby game but I don’t really know any of their players.
“What I do know is that based on league form it will be difficult for us because they are higher up the league than us.
“But I am expecting to have a virtually fully-fit squad to choose from and hopefully we can play to our best and make it a great game of rugby.”
Capenhurst are only one place above the Port and two points ahead of them so a victory for the hosts would put them on a par with their neighbours.
