England’s second most capped rugby player ever, the 44-year-old Clark was the player coach for Buckinghamshire as they lost out to defending champions Yorkshire 29-19 in a game that was still in the balance until the final minutes.
In fact, it was only a penalty from Alex Taylor-Roberts with the final play of the game that ended any hopes of a Bucks’ comeback.
And while Clark was inevitably disappointed to be on the wrong side of the result, she was also thrilled to be back at Twickenham once again.
She said: “I’m buzzing to be back here. I’ve done it so many times before but every time it’s really special. I’m so proud and privileged. I’ve been here twice as a coach but to be here as a player and a coach with the Bucks county women, I’m really happy.
“It was a bit of a shock to be back out here. I’ve kept my boots on but dropped down the levels, into the Championship with Buckingham Swans, the passion and the love is still there and I’m still pretty decent in the scrum so I’ll take that.”
Yorkshire started strongly with a try from Becky Patrick following smart offloads by Mary Stones and Katie Patrick in the build-up.
That score was quickly cancelled out by Bucks skipper Nicky Gross, who burrowed over from close range after a huge charge from Clark.
Yorkshire reclaimed the lead when Steph Tharne was fastest to her own chargedown of Caz Collie, only for Sian Mills to get over for Bucks. Collie’s conversion put them 14-12 up.
Clark then saw yellow for a high tackle, with Stones taking advantage of the extra player to put Yorkshire in front.
But it was all square at the break at 19-19 thanks to Collie’s fine individual score, fending off two defenders on her way to the line.
Taylor-Roberts got over early in the second half with a clever dummy and go and having resisted long periods in the first half, Yorkshire did it again in the second.
The crucial spell came with 10 minutes to go, and after they held out there, it was left to Taylor-Roberts to seal victory, leaving Clark to reflect on how close Bucks had come.
She added: “I’m really gutted but it was a great game of rugby. They were a phenomenal team and really hard to stop. We just couldn’t fire all our shots. We had opportunities and a few times our processes went out the window.
“So we’re disappointed but it’s great for women’s rugby to play before an international game, we are absolutely stoked and it meant so much coming to Twickenham, the Home of Rugby.
“If we’d scored with 10 to go, I think we would have won the game, but you win some, you lose some. I’m well-versed at that. Now we collectively come together, make the most of our experience, make memories and have a great time.”
And what of the future, well Clark has no plans to hang up her boots any time soon.
She added: “I’ve no plans to retire, I said I’d be the oldest player so you might see me waddle out again!”
To see all the results from the County Championship Finals visit EnglandRugby.com or follow @RFU on X to see all the in-play highlights.
