Gloucester Hartpury's impressive form showed no signs of slowing as they moved further ahead at the top of the Premiership Women's Rugby table. The defending champions, who are now on an unbeaten run, took down Sale Sharks with a convincing 40-24 victory.
Key to their success was a six-trick performance from star forward Rachel Lund, alongside efforts from Alex Matthews and Sisilia Tuipolutu. However, Nikita Prothero briefly narrowed the deficit before half-time, leaving the champions needing to hold on for the win.
The scoreline didn't reflect the full extent of Gloucester's attacking prowess as they maintained a comfortable 26-point lead by halftime. In contrast, Sale Sharks found it difficult to respond after Shona Campbell and Charlotte Fry scored consolation tries in the second-half.
Despite their win, Saracens are now right behind leaders Gloucester Hartpury with an impressive 79-5 victory over struggling Leicester Tigers. The hosts started brightly but were left reeling when they lost Simi Pam to a yellow card just seven minutes into play.
Saracens would, however, quickly turn this setback into an advantage as their attacking trio of Poppy Cleall and Olivia Apps took advantage of the gap on the field to put some serious pressure on the Tigers. The hosts scored five more tries in the second half, including a hat-trick for Poppy Cleall.
In other results, Trailfinders moved up to third place with a 45-19 home victory over Bristol Bears. Despite facing early challenges, Alana Borland's score at half-time turned the tide firmly in favour of the hosts as they eventually finished with 24 unanswered points.
Key to their success was a six-trick performance from star forward Rachel Lund, alongside efforts from Alex Matthews and Sisilia Tuipolutu. However, Nikita Prothero briefly narrowed the deficit before half-time, leaving the champions needing to hold on for the win.
The scoreline didn't reflect the full extent of Gloucester's attacking prowess as they maintained a comfortable 26-point lead by halftime. In contrast, Sale Sharks found it difficult to respond after Shona Campbell and Charlotte Fry scored consolation tries in the second-half.
Despite their win, Saracens are now right behind leaders Gloucester Hartpury with an impressive 79-5 victory over struggling Leicester Tigers. The hosts started brightly but were left reeling when they lost Simi Pam to a yellow card just seven minutes into play.
Saracens would, however, quickly turn this setback into an advantage as their attacking trio of Poppy Cleall and Olivia Apps took advantage of the gap on the field to put some serious pressure on the Tigers. The hosts scored five more tries in the second half, including a hat-trick for Poppy Cleall.
In other results, Trailfinders moved up to third place with a 45-19 home victory over Bristol Bears. Despite facing early challenges, Alana Borland's score at half-time turned the tide firmly in favour of the hosts as they eventually finished with 24 unanswered points.
. It's also interesting to see how some of these players are really standing out - Rachel Lund's six-trick performance was insane 
. And I love how Trailfinders' Alana Borland is on fire right now, scoring 24 unanswered points in the second half 
. All these wins are showing just how competitive this Premiership Women's Rugby season is going to be 
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and it's no surprise they're top of the table. Rachel Lund's six-trick performance was insane 
, I mean what can you say? The way Alex Matthews and Sisilia Tuipolutu chipped in with crucial tries didn't hurt either 
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. It's great to see teams like them and Gloucester Hartpury pushing the boundaries of women's rugby, it's an exciting time for the sport 
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. Alana Borland's half-time score changed the game entirely, what a leader 
! Their attacking game is so strong right now. It's crazy to see them dominate like that, especially against Sale Sharks. I mean, who loses to these girls? 
Nikita Prothero giving it a go was cool, but you've got to give credit where credit is due, Gloucester is in a league of their own rn 
Gloucester Hartpury is on fire! They're killing it out there and their attack is so sick 
Poppy Cleall's hat-trick was the icing on the cake 
Trailfinders moving up to third place with that big win over Bristol Bears is also a big plus 
The competition is heating up and it's going to be so exciting to see how these teams play out the rest of the season 
The other team, Saracens, beat Leicester Tigers 79-5 which is insane! Their star player Poppy Cleall even scored a hat-trick 
. And Poppy's hat-trick is the icing on the cake – she's definitely one player to watch out for in the future!
. I think it's awesome that teams like Trailfinders and Bristol Bears are rising through the ranks – it's all about supporting each other in the rugby community 
. On a more serious note, the skill level of these players is insane! Rachel Lund's six-trick performance was pure magic 
. Can't wait to see how the season unfolds! 
six tries is insane!!! And Saracens is killing it too 
with that 79-5 win over Leicester Tigers 
poppy cleall is a GENIUS 
I need to see more of her plays ASAP 
what's going on with Trailfinders? how did they move up to third place so quickly? 
, and that 6-trick performance was insane!!! 
. And Saracens are bringing the heat too 
The way Gloucester Hartpury and Saracens are dominating the Premiership Women's Rugby table is crazy. Their teamwork and strategy are on point, it's like they're unstoppable! 
That Poppy Cleall is a game-changer, by the way. And Trailfinders moving up to third place is great news for them too. It's all looking so competitive and exciting this season! 
can't believe how quickly those Saracens girls are making up for that yellow card mishap... talk about capitalizing on a mistake 
still hyped for the Premiership Women's Rugby season tho - love watching these talented players in action 
and it's amazing to see Rachel Lund's six-trick performance 
, we didn't have all the fancy stats and whatnot, but we knew a good try when we saw one!
. Can't wait to see how this season plays out!