IT was heartbreak for Bristol rugby stars Catherine Spencer and Sophie Hemming as England Women lost the World Cup Final to New Zealand last night.

For the fourth time in a row the Black Ferns won the crown, this time at the Twickenham Stoop, edging the hosts in a fiercely competitive game 13-10.

But despite the pain of disappointment, England captain Miss Spencer could not fault her team.

She said: "I'm extremely gutted but at the same time so proud of this England team.

"We pushed them so close and I really thought we were going to come back and get it.

"Once again the defence was just outstanding, epitomised by our second row chasing down their winger.

"We'll look back and realise how good the game was, but just devastated we didn't get the win."

Spencer started the game at number eight and Hemming had the honour of starting her first World Cup Final at prop.

Both play for Bristol Ladies, formerly known as Clifton, who are based at Dings Crusaders RFC in Lockleaze.

Miss Spencer, 31, from Keynsham, quit her job at Yate Leisure Centre to concentrate on winning the trophy for the first time since 1994.

And she was hoping her side could repeat the result the last time the world's two best sides squared last November, when England came out on top.

In three years as captain she has won three Six Nations titles, two of which were Grand Slams.

Miss Hemming, 30, first laced up her boots aged 19 while studying for a degree in veterinary science at Bristol University. She now works in a vets' practice in Staple Hill.

Former Clifton player Danielle Waterman has also starred in the tournament with her jinking runs from full-back.

In the final, England battled back from a 7-0 half-time deficit to draw level at 10-10 just after the hour.

But the hosts could not capitalise on first-half yellow cards for Anna Richards and Mel Bosman and were made to pay when winger Carla Hohepa scored the opening try.

The teams traded penalties early in the second half before Charlotte Barras touched down and Katy McLean converted to get England back on level terms.

But Kelly Brazier's penalty 15 minutes from time edged New Zealand ahead again and this time there was no coming back.

Miss Spencer added: "We had trouble keeping the ball at the breakdown and we couldn't build our phases, which obviously made it doubly hard for us.

"They had a lot of possession and a lot of territory as well, so the scoreline to be only three points down was good.

"We dug so deep. Maybe on another day we'd have come out victorious. I think everyone gave everything in this game today and we'll start rebuilding for another four years' time."