The Blues got their season up and running with a win against table topping Shrewsbury Town last weekend, Palmer scoring a brace in a man of the match performance.

BBC: Gillingham's Chris Palmer confident of team's promotion

England finally began to gain a foothold in the match in the final quarter and were rewarded through Long's brace - the first from a penalty corner in the 58th minute and the second a good finish from Jo Ellis' cross with five minutes to go.

BBC: England women fall to United States defeat

The Premiership match was level at 10-10 after 30 minutes with Varndell's brace cancelling out Michael Claassens' try and five points from Ryan Davis.

BBC: Bath 15-17 Wasps