Match Round-up: Trailfinders Women v Saracens Women

Trailfinders defeated in top four clash against Saracens

Trailfinders quickly found their flow in the back line after kick-off. The ball was stripped out wide onto the left channel. Francesca McGhie put her foot on the gas, running the ball into the try area for the first score of the game.

Saracens hit back quickly after quick ball from a line out. Physical carries gained them territory until Poppy Cleall threw the ball out wide to Sydney Gregson on the right wing.

Trailfinders continued to apply the pressure on Saracens with quick line speed but the visitors held firm. Saracens found attacking phases but a tackle by Grace White on Jess Breach enabled Trailfinders to pounce on the ball and the penalty was awarded to the women in green.

Trailfinders won the scrum but a loose ball allowed Saracens to intercept and push forward. The visitors were awarded a penalty and Zoe Harrison kicked for the corner. Saracens continued with attacking flow and Marlie Packer forced her way to the try line. Zoe Harrison slotted the conversion.

The visitors continued to apply attacking pressure but Trailfinders secured a line out in their 22. Quick ball down the short side gave Trailfinders territory. Lost ball in Saracens’ half gave Sydney Gregson space to run the ball but Julia Schell tackled her into touch.

A penalty to Saracens gave them another attacking opportunity and Alysha Corrigan scored in the corner for Saracens. Zoe Harrison converted.

Saracens continued to play the ball out wide. Lotte Sharp took her opportunity in the right corner and secured a bonus-point try for the visitors.

Trailfinders continued to front up in defence but Saracens opted for their line out drive game once more setting up May Campbell for a try. Harrison converted.

Half-time: Trailfinders Women 5-31 Saracens Women

A change in the backline for Trailfinders after half-time saw Isla Norman-Bell come off the bench to fly-half and Claire Gallagher into the centres for Carys Cox.

Trailfinders strung beautiful attacking phases together at the opening of the second half but handling errors paused their forward momentum.

Saracens secured a sixth try with another driving maul from the line out with Poppy Cleall as the beneficiary. Harrison converted.

Saracens continued to opt for the kicking game and chased the ball into Trailfinders’ 22. McGhie gathered in the try area and offloaded to Julia Schell who ran the ball out of the 22, clashing with Saracens defenders on the way.

Trailfinders stopped a Saracens driving maul fifty minutes in. Brooke Bradley opted for the boot but it was charged down then quickly regathered by the home side.

Trailfinders found space with McGhie breaking through the Saracens defence. She darted up the field, giving Trailfinders territory in the 22. The ball went out wide to Rachel Malcolm who was taken down.

Saracens continued with their attack, breaking into Trailfinders’ 22. Trailfinders remained strong in defence but the Saracens maul secured them another score by May Campbell. Harrison converted the extras.

The waves of Saracens attack continued and the visitors scored after a series of physical carries. Liz Crake got over the line for an eighth try for Saracens. Harrison slotted the conversion.

The scoreline did not defer Trailfinders from going forwards. Emma Taylor carried through midfield and Trailfinders went wide. The home side secured the penalty.

With Trailfinders losing players too, the home side regrouped with Haidee Head moving into the back line and Maya Montiel into the second row. Saracens equally had to rotate their side after losing forwards due to injury.

The Saracens line out went loose and Taylor gathered then got the ball outside to Trailfinders backs. McGhie ran the ball forward but Saracens were successful in securing a penalty at the breakdown after McGhie was tackled.

But Trailfinders had ball in hand once more and broke into Saracens’ 22 with seven minutes to go. Yet the visitors pushed Trailfinders back and loose ball enabled Saracens to find space. Jess Breach scored down the right side.

Trailfinders continued to fight in the final five minutes, showing their resilience and determination despite the scoreline.

Full-time: Trailfinders Women 5-57 Saracens Women

Player of the Match: Olivia Apps

Trailfinders Women –

Tries: Francesca McGhie 3

Saracens Women  –

Tries: Sydney Gregson 7, Marlie Packer 17, Alysha Corrigan 26, Lotte Sharp 32, May Campbell 37 60, Poppy Cleall 45, Liz Crake 65, Jess Breach 76

Conversions: Zoe Harrison 17 26 38 45 61 66

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Match programme: Trailfinders Women v Saracens Women

The PWR returns to Trailfinders Sports Club for Round Five

Read everything you need to know ahead of Trailfinders v Saracens in the match programme. Click here.

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Lineup: Trailfinders Women v Saracens Women

Barney Maddison names his side for Restart Week in the PWR as Trailfinders host Saracens

Head Coach Barney Maddison has named his squad ahead of Round Five of the PWR in a top four clash. He names two changes to the squad after Trailfinders’ most recent win over Bristol Bears.

Kate Zackary leads the side for the fourth time this season.

An unchanged front row sees Alivia Leatherman, Georgia Ponsonby, and Maya Montiel start.

In the engine room, Irish international Grace Moore is accompanied by Black Fern Alana Borland.

At blindside flanker is Scotland’s most-capped captain Rachel Malcolm with Zackary on the openside. Red Rose Abi Burton is at eight.

Ella Amory and Claire Gallagher remain as the starting halfback pairing.

Carys Cox starts at inside centre with Meg Jones at outside centre.

Francesca McGhie and Grace White start on the wings with Julia Schell at fullback.

Cristina Blanco and Isla Norman-Bell both feature on the bench in a 5-3 split as the two changes to the matchday squad.

Kick-off is at 15:00 on Saturday 29 November at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Watch live on YouTube.

Starting XV 

15. Julia Schell

14. Grace White

13. Meg Jones

12. Carys Cox

11. Francesca McGhie

10. Claire Gallagher

9. Ella Amory

1. Alivia Leatherman

2. Georgia Ponsonby

3. Maya Montiel

4. Grace Moore

5. Alana Borland

6. Rachel Malcolm

7. Kate Zackary (C)

8. Abi Burton

Replacements:

16. Cristina Blanco

17. Cana Williams

18. Miça Evans

19. Emma Taylor

20. Haidee Head

21. Brooke Bradley

22. Isla Norman-Bell

23. Rosie Inman

Trailfinders sign Black Fern Maia Roos as injury cover

Trailfinders Women are delighted to confirm the signing of New Zealand international lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos as injury cover until the end of March 2026.

The 24-year-old joins Trailfinders after representing New Zealand at the recent Rugby World Cup.

Roos has 38 caps for the Black Ferns and played five times during the RWC25. She also featured in New Zealand’s World Cup winning squad in 2022.

In 2023 her star continued to rise and her leadership qualities were recognised when she was chosen to Captain the Black Ferns – becoming the youngest Captain in the team’s history and surpassing the previous record held by Dame Farah Palmer.

Roos is known for her explosive power and superior athleticism with a fantastic work ethic on and off the rugby field.

On signing for the Club, Roos said:

“I came to Trailfinders because I saw my friends playing rugby and I wanted to be part of the fun.

“I really like the style of rugby Trailfinders play: they like to play on top and keep the ball alive. It’s a very attacking style of rugby and I think that’s very fun.

“Because I’m only here for a few months, I want to have a big impact while I am at Trailfinders. I want to do as much as I can on and off the pitch to leave the Club in a really good position at the tail end of the season.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, said: 

“Maia is a world class lock. To be able to bring in her in to help us out is fantastic.

“She is very highly spoken of by her fellow Black Ferns team mates here at Trailfinders so I’m really looking forward to working with her and bringing her into our environment.”

PWR Press Conference: Barney Maddison and Kate Zackary

Ahead of Round Five of the PWR where Trailfinders host Saracens, Head Coach Barney Maddison and Club Captain Kate Zackary spoke to the media in a press conference. 

After Red Rose and former Trailfinder Abby Dow announced her retirement on Wednesday 26 November, the media asked about her impact at the Club. 

In response, Kate Zackary said: 

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to play alongside Abby when I moved to Ealing. Prior to that, I had played against her as with rugby, everyone runs in similar circles. 

“I enjoyed getting to know her and how funny she was. She brought a lot of positivity and energy to the team. 

“She was a great finisher but also put extra hours working on her kicking game, which was a part of her game that became a huge threat. 

“She knew how to put a smile on your face whether you were having a good or bad day.” 

When asked about this weekend’s fixture against Saracens, Barney Maddison said: 

“It should be a great game. We’ve never beaten Saracens before. So we’re really looking forward to it. We’ve had a couple of good results. It’ll be a really tough game.

“They’ve got a quality team and squad so that’ll be a tough battle on Saturday.”

Zackary added: 

“It’ll be a really good matchup for the back row. I’m biased here but I think we’ve got a really great back row. I think it’ll be a really big fight. The set piece is going to be huge and the kicking game as well. It’s part game that Saracens don’t shy away from, but it’s part of the game that we don’t shy away from either.

“We’ve got people like Julia Schell and Meg Jones who have got a boot on them, and Claire Gallagher. There will be a lot of dynamic play from both teams, which I think will be quite exciting.”

 

Match Round-up: Trailfinders Women vs Bristol Bears

Trailfinders secure their first home win of the season with seven tries against Bristol Bears

A physical start from Trailfinders saw them dominant in the opening scrum. Bristol kept their defence tight but conceded an early penalty. Discipline let Bristol down and the referee showed Simi Tam a yellow card after five minutes of the game.

Trailfinders continued to recycle the ball five metres out from the try line. Bristol’s defence remained strong despite conceding penalties.

Trailfinders continued to drive forward towards the try line with great success. It was Scotland Captain Rachel Malcolm to get the ball down and score the first try of the game. Meg Jones narrowly missed the conversion on the angle.

Trailfinders continued to press through Bristol’s tight defence. Georgia Ponsonby secured the second score after Trailfinders mauled towards the line. Jones converted the extras.

The visitors were not to be silenced though. They quickly responded with a try of their own scored by Simi Pam after she’d returned to the field from her sin bin period. Keira Bevan slotted the conversion.

The fierce contest continued in the centre of the field as each side fought for metres. Bristol used the power of their forwards to maul forward and secure territory in the Trailfinders 22.

Bristol made further ground with a final powerful carry by Sarah Bern saw the visitors secure their second try. Bevan successfully converted.

Trailfinders bounced back and secured another penalty. Jones kicked to the corner. Bristol turned the ball over but knocked the ball on two metres out from their try line. Trailfinders won the scrum and took the ball out to the short side. Bristol forced Claire Gallagher into touch.

Trailfinders found turnover ball and pressed forward in attack. With the ball being recycled towards the right wing, Jones picked her line and found some space. An offload to Julia Schell onto Grace White saw Trailfinders secure their third try.

The physical contest continued in the centre of the field. Trailfinders were held up on the try line just before half-time. A goal line drop out was gathered by C. Gallagher.

Trailfinders forwards carried ball down field and it was Borland who broke through and scored the bonus-point try. Jones slotted the conversion giving Trailfinders the lead at half-time.

Half-time: Trailfinders Women 24-14 Bristol Bears 

The second half continued as it had left off: fierce and physical. Schell put boot to ball and Grace White chased along the wing. She gathered but was pushed into touch.

Bristol found some ground going through the phases and were rewarded with a scrum. Trailfinders eventually found turnover ball with White making another break down the wing. She offloaded to Francesca McGhie who was tackled into touch by Bristol’s centre Emma Orr.

Bristol were awarded another scrum and the ball was recycled out to the backs with a kick for the 50-22. But the ball went into touch too early and Trailfinders were given a line out in Bristol’s half.

Dominant phases of attack saw Trailfinders secure a five metre line out after Jones kicked to the corner. After conceding several penalties, the referee went to his pocket and sent Bristol’s Delaney Burns to the sin bin.

Trailfinders had another line out thrown by Ponsonby. They drove the maul forward and Ponsonby secured the fifth try. Jones converted

Bristol were undeterred from fighting back. They forced their way down field and Evie Gallagher came fruitful and secured Bristol’s third try. Bevan failed to convert.

The visitors continued to show their strength at the breakdown which helped them to secure turnover ball in their own half even with fourteen players on the field.

With less than twenty minutes to go and a full compliment back on the field for Bristol, both sides went down for a scrum. But fresh legs on the field for Trailfinders saw them dominate the set piece and secure the penalty. Jones kicked the ball towards the corner for a ten metre line out.

A dominant driving maul saw Trailfinders drive forward. The ball was recycled out to Jones who opted for the cross field kick. White gathered and ran in to score a stunning try. Jones successfully converted.

Trailfinders continued their try-scoring run with Emma Taylor getting off the scoreboard from short range. Jones converted.

Both sides continued to fight hard in the final ten minutes of the match with big hits made by both sides, although no more points were scored by either side.

Full-time: Trailfinders Women 45-19 Bristol Bears 

Player of the Match: Grace White

Trailfinders Women –

Tries: Rachel Malcolm 8, Georgia Ponsonby 11 52, Grace White 33 64, Alana Borland 40, Emma Taylor 68

Conversions: Meg Jones 11 40 53 65 68

Bristol Bears  –

Tries: Simi Pam 18, Sarah Bern 27, Evie Gallagher 58

Conversions: Keira Bevan 18 27

Yellow card: Simi Pam 5, Delaney Burns 51

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Match programme: Trailfinders Women v Bristol Bears

Everything you need to know ahead of Trailfinders Women vs Bristol Bears

The PWR returns to Trailfinders Sports Club with Round 4. Trailfinders Women face Bristol Bears for the first time this season, after a tight battle in January last season.

Read everything you need to know ahead of the match here.

,

Lineup: Trailfinders Women v Bristol Bears

Barney Maddison names an unchanged squad ahead of Bristol Bears clash. 

Head Coach Barney Maddison has named his squad ahead of Round Four of the PWR. There are no changes in the squad after last weekend’s win over Sale Sharks.

Kate Zackary leads the side after last weekend’s ten try win. She is part of a forward pack including eight internationals.

In the front row, Alivia Leatherman, Georgia Ponsonby, and Maya Montiel all start.

In the engine room, Irish international Grace Moore is accompanied by Black Fern Alana Borland.

At blindside flanker is Scotland’s most-capped captain Rachel Malcolm with Zackary on the openside. Abi Burton is at eight.

Ella Amory and Claire Gallagher remain as the starting halfback pairing.

Carys Cox starts at inside centre with Meg Jones at outside centre.

Francesca McGhie and Grace White start on the wings with Julia Schell at fullback.

Haidee Head, Brooke Bradley, and Niamh Gallagher all feature on the bench in a 5-3 split.

Kick-off is at 15:00 on Saturday 15 November at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Watch live on BBC iPlayer.

Starting XV 

15. Julia Schell

14. Grace White

13. Meg Jones

12. Carys Cox

11. Francesca McGhie

10. Claire Gallagher

9. Ella Amory

1. Alivia Leatherman

2. Georgia Ponsonby

3. Maya Montiel

4. Grace Moore

5. Alana Borland

6. Rachel Malcolm

7. Kate Zackary (C)

8. Abi Burton

Replacements:

16. Niamh Swailes

17. Cana Williams

18. Miça Evans

19. Emma Taylor

20. Haidee Head

21. Brooke Bradley

22. Niamh Gallagher

23. Rosie Inman

 

PWR Press Conference: Barney Maddison and Georgia Ponsonby

Read the update ahead of Trailfinders Women vs Bristol Bears in Round Four of the PWR. 

Ahead of Round Four of the PWR, Head Coach Barney Maddison and Black Fern Georgia Ponsonby answered questions from the media after a win on the road in Round Three.

When asked about this weekend’s opponents, Maddison said:

“It’ll be a tough game. It’s the first time we’ve had back to back games with the structure of the season, with the Prem Cup and the World Cup. And then our bye week as well, we haven’t actually had chance to play back to back games. So this will be the first time since February. It’ll be interesting.

“We’re coming off the back of a good win against Sale, but again, completely different kettle of fish in Bristol Bars. So it’ll be a very tough game.”

When asked about her move to Trailfinders from New Zealand, Ponsonby said: 

“I feel like the main reason is because the girls have gone into their off season now, so they don’t have a test match until the Pacific Four Series in April 2026. Obviously, the Black Ferns will have training camps leading up to that but aside from that, there’s no rugby until then for the Kiwis.

“I guess that was a big reason why I came over as well as just wanting to try something a bit different.

“I’ve been in New Zealand for a long time and did the same routine and things. I was just excited to immerse myself in a different rugby culture and rub shoulders with amazing athletes over here and learn a few new things and just get some more game time because we don’t really play a heck of a lot of rugby back home.

“We have our Super Rugby competition, but it’s only six or seven weeks compared to what the seventeen round competition that we’ve got here, not including semis and finals.

“I definitely like playing more rugby.”

When asked about who she’s looking forward to playing against in the Bristol Bears side, Ponsonby said: 

“Sarah Bern in the front row, obviously Hannah Botterman is injured at the moment, but they’ve got a really powerful forward pack. I think scrum time will be a real battle.

“Abbie Ward at line out time will be exciting to go up against. And then we’re up against some of the best jacklers with like Evie Gallagher. I think that’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m so excited to be here because we’re playing against the best players in the world.

“Our game against Bristol is going to be epic. It’s going to be another tough battle. But  you look at this competition and I just feel like you don’t know where it’s going to go.

“The results with each team so far have swayed back and forth, potentially to the teams that you didn’t think were going to go. Every single weekend you have to show up and play your very best rugby because every single team is really quality.”

After one win and one loss in the league this season, Barney Maddison was asked what he’d like his team to tick off the wish list. He said: 

“It’s just a performance. I’ll back these girls to the hills in that sense and we’ve got some fantastic players and as long as we go out there, put a performance together, I’ve got no doubt we’ll be in a good place at the end of the 80 minutes.

“But it’s about our performance, and focussing on us. Bristol will be a very tough game. They’ve got a hell of a team, so again, we’ll have to be at our best at the weekend.”

Match Round-up: Sale Sharks vs Trailfinders Women

Ten tries for Trailfinders secures them their first bonus-point win of the 2025/26 season

The opening contest in the centre of the field was quickly awarded with a Trailfinders penalty. It was taken quickly by Meg Jones who darted through the space to give Trailfinders ten metres.

A successful driving maul from the line out led to Trailfinders’ first try scored by Black Fern Georgia Ponsonby.

Sale Sharks responded quickly with attacking phases and were rewarded consecutive penalties. Sale opted for the set piece and drove their maul forward but Trailfinders kept their defence tight. But the home side stripped the ball out wide to Scotland winger Rhona Lloyd who scored for the Sale’s first try.

The aerial battle commenced soon after where both teams sought for territory from the boot. A Sale line out was disrupted by Black Fern Alana Borland. Sale knocked the ball into touch for a Trailfinders line out.

The powerful carry from Abi Burton allowed her to break into open play. The number eight ran just shy of half of the pitch for a second try for Trailfinders. Meg Jones successfully converted.

A dominant scrum from Trailfinders allowed Ella Amory to get the ball out to the back line. Scottish international Francesca McGhie got her hands on the ball, darting through the Sale defence. McGhie eventually got over the line for her first try as a Trailfinder after fighting through the collisions with Sale. Jones converted.

On the front foot, Trailfinders continued to carry hard, making their way towards Sale’s try line. Then magic Meg broke through the Sale defence for the bonus-point score. She converted her own score to stretch the lead after the opening twenty minutes.

The Sharks fought hard, securing penalties. Holly Aitchison continued to kick for territory. Lloyd found open field but was taken down by Trailfinders.

Awarded another penalty, Aitchison kicked to the corner. Amy Cockayne threw the line out, driving the maul forward and got Sale’s second score. Aitchison converted.

Trailfinders quickly struck back with a fantastic break down the right wing by Grace White. With open field, White finds Trailfinders’ fifth score.

Another break down the wing opened up the space for Canadian international Julia Schell to pick her line and score the sixth try.

Half-time: Sale Sharks 12-36 Trailfinders Women 

Trailfinders continued with fast attacking play. Although a Trailfinders line out was initially disrupted by the home side, a knock on gave Trailfinders possession. They drove through the phases and were awarded a penalty.

A clean line out for Trailfinders wrapped in the Sale defence. Carys Cox found space and cut inside and scored behind the posts. Jones successfully converted.

With ball in hand, Sale went through the phases, Katie Childs created space and ran down field. She was tackled by Trailfinders wingers.

From the scrum, Sharks ran the ball down field until they went to the boot for territory. White chased and gathered, keeping Sale out of the try area.

Opting for the boot, Sharks kicked the ball into touch and Trailfinders had another line out eighteen metres away from their try area.

The home side continued to push forward but the Trailfinders defence remained strong. They were rewarded a penalty by the referee.

Sale continued to go through the attacking phases and were successful in securing another penalty. Aitchison kicked the ball down field but a Sharks line out.

Playing with advantage, Aitchison kicked to the corner once more. Five metres out from scoring, Sale lost the ball backwards from the line out but continued to push forward. Going nowhere with the short distribution, Sale sent the ball out wide once more to Lloyd who went over for her second try of the match.

After being shown a yellow card, Kate Zackary left the field with Trailfinders down to fourteen. Rachel Malcolm instructed in the pack for a dominant scrum.

Trailfinders went through the phases and faced physical collisions from the Sale defensive line. Yet, they kept level-headed and got the ball out wide to Carys Cox who scored in the corner. Jones successfully converted the kick on the angle.

With fresh legs on the field. Trailfinders continued to test the home side’s defence. Trailfinders penetrated through for another score. Rosie Inman got over the line and the try was successfully converted by Niamh Gallagher.

In a footballing kick chase, Rosie Inman booted the ball forward then the ball came off the boot of Claire Gallagher. Schell chased and scored for Trailfinders’ tenth try. Niamh Gallagher slotted the conversion.

Sale Sharks were not to be silenced though as Rhona Lloyd scored a bonus-point try for the home side and secured a personal hat-trick.

Julia Schell was awarded player of the match.

Full-time: Sale Sharks 22-64 Trailfinders Women 

Sale Sharks – 

Tries: Rhona Lloyd 8 62 78, Amy Cockayne 29

Conversions: Holly Aitchison 30

Trailfinders Women –

Tries: Georgia Ponsonby 3, Abi Burton 13, Francesca McGhie 17, Meg Jones 21, Grace White 33, Julia Schell 40 76, Carys Cox 43 66, Rosie Inman 73

Conversions: Megan Jones 13 18 22 44 66, Niamh Gallagher 74

Yellow Card: Kate Zackary 63

 

 

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