Gloucester-Hartpury back clear at top – PWR round-up

With a thumping 54-14 victory over Bristol Bears, Gloucester-Hartpury reclaimed the top spot in the Premiership Women’s Rugby standings.

In the London derby at Trailfinders on Saturday, Saracens defeated the reigning champions 57-5 to move them to the top of the standings.

However, Gloucester-Hartpury is now five points clear at the top thanks to a bonus-point win on Sunday, which included eight tries from eight different scorers.

After scoring 35 unanswered points in the opening period of Sunday’s only PWR game, Gloucester-Hartpury were out of sight by half-time.

Before the break, Mia Venner, El Perry, Tatyana Heard, and Sarah Beckett started the scoring drive, which Sam Monaghan did in the fourth minute.

Bristol advanced to the play-off semi-finals of last year, where they lost to Gloucester-Hartpury, but their most recent run of form has been disastrous, leaving them second-bottom after four games.

With only 42 minutes left in the second half, Bethan Lewis headed over for the reigning champions.

Trailfinders opened the scoring on their home turf with a dominant Saracens performance, but they only managed to get 22 more in the process.

Within three minutes, Francesca McGhie’s Trailfinders was off the mark, but Saracens quickly responded, scoring with a score from Sydney Gregson.

With continued attacking play, Saracens increased their lead after 26 points with tries from Campbell, Alysha Corrigan, Lotte Sharp, and Marlie Packer.

The hosts had no chance, as Poppy Cleall extended Saracens’ lead after the break by completing a driving maul to make it 36-5.

Before Saracens’ eighth try, former Trailfinders prop Liz Crake made her former side’s problems even more with her second try.

Loughborough full-back Lucia Scott made her Premiership debut with a quick start and a quick finish from club veteran Bo Westcombe-Evans.

Westcombe-Evans, who is making her 50th appearance for Loughborough, scored four times to equal the hosts’ eight-try total, was pleased with the outcome.

The Tigers, who had a fourth try ruled out for a knock-on before the break and scored three tries for the second time this season, showed signs of hope.

Jemima McCalman, a Tigers’ player, was on par with a quick move in the second half when debutant Scott, 21, made a try-saving tackle that cost her a bonus point.

Loughborough’s quest for the Tigers’ first victory of the season continues with a victory over East Midlands.

After the game, Westcombe-Evans commented, “That was a lot of fun.” On my 50th cap, it meant a lot to me.

The visitors finished the match with a close 14-12 lead after the teams each scored two tries in the opening period.

After the break, Sale, who were chasing their second win of the season, scored 12 points from tries from Morwenna Talling and Gwen Pyrs.

However, a yellow card prevented Exeter from returning, as Sale lock Charlotte Fray was sent off for a high tackle while Emily Robinson scored a converted try to bring the visitors back within touching distance.

The outcome was ultimately a game decision. With 10 minutes to go, World Cup champion Sale 26-21 up, Holly Aitchinson squandered a chance to extend their lead when she went for it by shoving in a penalty.