RUGBY: ENGLAND women’s rugby sevens side – including Thurrock’s Emily Scott – placed seventh in the Atlanta leg of the IRB Sevens World Series on Sunday.

Simon Middleton’s side were knocked out of the cup competition by Dubai World Series winners Australia in the quarter-finals, before then losing to America in the Plate semi-finals. The defeat pooled England against Japan for the battle for seventh place, which England secured.

England Sevens head coach Simon Middleton, who took charge of the side just last month, said: “There are some positive elements but we need to have more consistency in our performances.

England booked their place in the Cup quarter-finals after victories over Ireland (32-0) and the Netherlands (19-12) and a 14-5 defeat to reigning world champions New Zealand.

Sunday, however, was a different day altogether for England with Australia taking a 17-12 win.

England regrouped for the final match against Japan, taking a 19-12 win. The tries came from Natasha Brennan and two conversions from Sarah McKenna secured the win.

England now sit fifth in the World Sevens Series ranking ahead of round three, which kicks off this Friday in Sao Paulo. England sevens: Claire Allan (VC) (Richmond); Natasha Brennan (Richmond); Abigail Chamberlain (C) (Richmond); Heather Fisher (Worcester); Francesca Matthews (Richmond); Sarah McKenna (Saracens); Leanne Riley (Saracens); Emily Scott (Thurrock); Sally Tuson (Saracens); Danielle Waterman (Bristol); Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol); Michaela Staniford (Wasps).