LUDLOW'S Lark Davies played for the Midlands as part of a senior women's academy programme.

The former Ludlow College student was selected as hooker in the match against the North, which the Midlands won 27-15 at Birmingham Exiles' Elmdon headquarters.

Davies, who is one of two Worcester players in the squad, is an England under-20 international and starred for the team in their 28-0 defeat against France in February.

She made her international debut last July against Canada in the Nations Cup.

Her first start came later in the tournament, when she inspired England under-20's to comfortable 27-3 win against South Africa.

The new academy programme that Davies was part of replaced the old senior divisional programme.

It is played across four divisions - North, Midlands, London and South East and South West - and provides a challenging, high-quality performance environment.