Exeter Chiefs Women v Saracens Women

Exeter Chiefs Women saw seven tries go past them as they suffered defeat at the hands of Saracens at the StoneX Stadium tonight.

Saracens Women were the better side, physically dominating the visitors to prove why they are comfortably in the top two in the league.

The game almost had a fairytale start when an opening penalty to Chiefs saw centre Alex Tessier kick to touch for a lineout caught by lock Linde van der Velden. Hooker Emily Tuttosi helped herself to some space before the ball was recycled to find injury returnee Claudia Moloney-MacDonald on the wing, but she ran out of space, with a foot in touch, as she headed over the try-line.

Scrum-half Flo Robinson nearly got the interception off the back of a Saracens’ scrum but knocked on to give the home side another scrum, albeit deeper in their own territory. Chiefs gave away the penalty though and England’s fly-half Zoe Harrison kicked to touch where Saracens knocked on in the lineout.

Saracens regained possession however and headed into Chiefs’ 22 where their defence was tested until they snaffled the ball back and fly-half Liv McGoverne kicked to touch for short-lived safety. After the lineout, Saracens sent the ball across the backs to set up camp on Chiefs’ try-line where No 8 Poppy Cleall went over for the score. Harrison converted to make it 7-0 after 15 minutes played.

Chiefs’ scrum just inside the halfway line saw the backline release Moloney-MacDonald then full-back Sabrina Poulin but the next pass did not quite reach winger Francesca Granzotto. Exciting interplay from this new-look back-three though.

A Chiefs lineout on the opposite side of the pitch on the halfway was secured by van der Velden and then kicked downfield by Moloney-MacDonald only for Chiefs to be penalised for a high tackle as players scrapped for the ball after the bounce.

A lost lineout gave Saracens possession in Chiefs’ 22 before a knock-on handed the home side a scrum. Chiefs could only soak up so much pressure before Cleall went over for her second. With 10 minutes left of the half, Saracens were 14 points ahead after Harrison kicked the conversion.

Saracens’ lineout on the halfway line saw the women in black patiently recycle the ball for lock Julia Omokhuale to speed down the wing but Poulin was waiting with a tackle to bounce her into touch. Chiefs, though, were penalised moments later and Harrison kicked to touch for a lineout just metres from the line. The ensuing drive was a powerful one and flanker Marlie Packer took the spoils.

A Chiefs penalty at the scrum saw another kick to touch from Tessier. With the lineout secured, No 8 Maddie Feaunati carried hard followed by van der Velden and Abby Duguid but Sarries forced the knock on and the half ended.

Chiefs made one change at half-time with tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin on to replace Amy Rule. The former was straight into action as Chiefs defended a Saracens lineout, resulting in a scrum for the visitors following a knock-on.

However, Tuttosi was shown a yellow card for a high tackle and Saracens were back in attack mode with Harrison pulling the strings. Feaunati also went off for an HIA to be replaced by Gabriella Nigrelli while El Febrey went on for Granzotto at scrum time.

Saracens kept up the pressure as Chiefs battled with 14 on the pitch. Ultimately with one less player, Saracens' pressure told and prop Kelsey Clifford scored the bonus-point try.

Then a break from Lotte Sharp and a cross-field kick from Harrison fell into winger Alysha Corrigan's hands for her to run in the try.

Feaunati did not return to play but Merryn Elworthy came on to replace Moloney-MacDonald to make her comeback from injury too. She also forced the penalty that saw Tessier kicked to touch for the lineout. Chiefs kept it tight but this time it was Poulin who was bundled into touch and the scoring chance went begging.

The visitors went into touch on the other side of the pitch as they tried to drum up some initiative as the game ticked over into the final 10 minutes of regular time. It was looking desperate for Chiefs Women as they tried to avoid going home without a score.

But it was Saracens who scored next as the ever-present Player of the Match Cleall caught her own kick for scrum-half Tori Sellors to grab the ball and score.

As Chiefs tired, Saracens continued to push, constantly coming back at their visitors to send over Omokhuale from close range.

But as the game ticked into 13 minutes of extra time, Chiefs grabbed a last-minute try as a lineout saw them push towards the line for Rogers to take the five points and for McGoverne to convert. Not really a consolation but a relief to score some points at least.