The wait is over, the return of Allianz Premiership Women’s rugby returned this weekend and what a way to start with a bang, as Saracens Women delivered an outstanding performance on home soil today against Loughborough Women.
Saracens had the advantage off the whistle with the first penalty of the clash. However this first glimmer of hope was lost due to the ball being lost forward. Nevertheless, the home side reclaimed the ball and with a quick inside pass from Leanne Infante to Sophie De Goede, it was try time for the hosts.
An early yellow card for the home side gave the visitors an extra player advantage less than 10 minutes into the game. Both teams oozed excitement and hunger for points on the scoreboard. The Saracens Women held strong in their defence but with a consecutive yellow card for the hosts, the Loughborough Lightning side took the opportunity and ran with it, with Captain Rachel Malcolm going over the line. Helen Nelson delivered with her kick taking the score to 7-5, with the visitors leading.
The hosts soon showed what they were about even with a player down, a strong carry from Kelsey Clifford pushed the pack forward to the gleaming white wash. An offload from back row Poppy Cleall gave Sophie De Goede her second try of the match. The try-scorer converted her own try and Saracens were back in the game.
As the game pushed on, Saracens Women had so much more to give, off the line out the hosts formed the maul and with strength and might they held their ground. Scrum-half Leanne Infante saw the chance to make the break and with speedy feet she sprinted for the line, with another five points for the home side. Double try scorer De Goede stepped up with her boot and slotted the conversion taking the score to 17-7 with Sarries in a good position, with the half time whistle nearing.
Both returned to the field after the short break raring to go and with a point to prove, it was hard to take your eyes off the field from the electric game of rugby unfolding. Loughborough lightning, were swiftly into their opponent’s ’22 off the whistle, eager to level the score.
Sarries held strong and the first ten minutes of the half was a battle in the midfield. A penalty gave Saracens a good opportunity to continue their lead, and the lineout was in a prime position on the 5m line. Marlie Packer’s appearance on the field did not go unnoticed as off the driving maul, it was the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year
who secured the try for the team. Replacement Zoe Harrison kicked with precision and accuracy, giving Sarries the important extras. The Loughborough lightning side felt the same way that Saracens did in the first half due to the referee handing out two yellows for the visitors.
As the game continued, so did the tries- after being awarded a penalty in the opposition’s ’22, Sarries thought fast and with a quick tap and go, it was number 8 Poppy Cleall who drove over the line. The conversion was secured and the hosts proceeded to lead with a score of 31-7.
Despite the possession being in Saracens hands for the first twenty minutes of the second half, the Loughborough lightning side displayed cracking defensive play, preventing Sarries from putting any unnecessary points over their head. However, Marlie Packer delivered a cracking pass to Jess Breach on the wing, who sprinted for the line, accumulating a consecutive try for the side. The conversion took the score to 38-7 with the last ten minutes of play remaining.
The hosts were strong and consistent in their line out play, and with a penalty given to the side, the maul was formed and Marlie Packer scored her second try of the match with no hesitation. The conversion was missed, but the Sarries side maintained their lead and knew there was one more left to give. With the clock ticking, it was centre Sydney Gregson who took the ball on the wing and raced for the gleaming line.
What an amazing game of rugby today here at Stonex with the return to Premiership Women’s Rugby and what a way to kick start for the Saracens Women.