Atkin-Davies returns to boost Bears

By BEN JAYCOCK

PREVIEW…

Sale v Bristol

Today. Kick-off 3pm, Heywood Road

ENGLAND front row star Lark Atkin-Davies returns to action for the first time since the Six Nations as Bristol look to cement third spot against the league’s bottom side.

Bristol require just one point to ensure third-place ahead of Exeter due to their superior number of wins, while Sale have picked up just two league victories this season.

Bristol head coach Dave Ward said: “We’ve built some good momentum in the last few rounds so we’re fully focused on continuing that into next weekend’s semi-final. We know that a win will secure third and that’s our sole aim this weekend.”

Atkin-Davies, below, who sustained an ankle injury against Ireland, is named at hooker, with Simi Pam and Nicola Beet – making her first league start for the club – completing the front row.

Gabriella Nigrelli starts at No.8 with Rownita Marston-Mulhearn moving to the bench, while Ella Lovibond, named on the wing, is the only other change to the starting XV from last weekend’s bonus-point 47-25 win at The Stoop.

The match signals

Vicky Irwin’s final game for Sale after the flanker confirmed she would be calling time on her playing career after more than 60 appearances for the club.

She said: “I’ve been here from the start, this club means a lot to me and I’ve loved games at Heywood Road and the buzz there. After much consideration, I know the time is right and retiring on my terms was always key.”

Sale, who won 36-21 at Leicester Tigers last week, have made six changes. Vicky A Irwin comes in at full-back in place of Hollie Bawden as Lauren Delany moves to the wing. In the forwards, Molly Wright is replaced at hooker by Niamh Swailes, locks Nick James and Erica Jarrell are drafted in ahead of Elizabeth Shermer and Sara Tounesi, and in the back row, flankers Vicky

EIrwin and USA international Georgie Perris-Redding come in for Joanna Brown and Rachel Mclachlan.