May 16, 2001 13:15: Wasps 26 Richmond 35

Wasps ladies crashed to defeat in the Rugby World National Cup Final to a strong Richmond side, despite a brave fight back late in the game.

Live in front of the Sky Sports cameras and before the Zurich Championship Final, Wasps and Richmond played out an impressive final at Twickenham on Sunday.

Having beaten their opponents just a fortnight ago, 10-8, Wasps ladies were unable to repeat the victory, and went down to a powerful and determined Richmond side.

Richmond got off the mark quickly with an early try in the second minute from Jen Dickson.

Two outstanding tries from Richmond winger Emily Feltham, minutes either side of the break, compounded Wasps problems and they seemed dead and buried.

Wasps' Dawn Keim grabbed a consolation before Nicki Jupp and Lizzie Cribb ran in another two tries to essentially secure the win for Richmond.

Wasps however, did not go down without a fight and a brace of tries from Rhian Williams followed by one from Sarah Marsh, plus two conversions from Shelley Rae put Richmond on the back foot, but it was too little too late, and Wasps were denied some silverware.