Eastern Counties Women narrowly missed out on a dream finish to their season, with three Wymondham Wasps players involved.

EC were beaten 15-7 by Essex in the Gill Burns County Championship Division Two final – the first national final for an EC women's team – at Richmond Athletic Ground, home to both Richmond RFC and London Scottish RFC.

Essex starved EC of the ball for much of the game but were only able to score two tries to one in a thrilling and often bruising encounter.

Libby Lockwood, vice-captain Kaylee Williams and number eight Sophia John were all representing Wymondham in the final, with John named forward of the match.

After the game the players travelled the short distance to Twickenham Stadium, where alongside their opponents they were hosted for a meal and presentations, before they walked up to the royal box to receive their medals, before watching England take on Barbarians.