Saracens thrash London rivals Trailfinders – PWR round-up

After a 57-5 London derby victory over Trailfinders, Saracens moved up to the top of the Premiership Women’s Rugby table and shared the points with Gloucester Hartpury.

Eight different players scored nine tries for Saracens, including World Cup winner May Campbell who crossed twice and her England teammate Zoe Harrison who scored 12 extra points.

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

Gloucester Hartpury can reclaim their league lead against Bristol Bears on Sunday (12:30 GMT) after one game losing against Saracens.

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.

Jess Breach had plenty of time to speak, and the world champion fought back in the closing seconds to earn Saracens a convincing 57-5 victory.

A tense contest ended 26-26 at Sale Sharks‘ Morson Stadium for the Exeter Chiefs, who had already drawn the first two games of the season.

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.

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.