Trailfinders Women vs Saracens

Match Report

Trailfinders Women fell to a 45-10 Allianz Cup defeat as Saracens Women piled on seven tries in a dominant display.

A frantic period of play followed a cagey first 10 minutes, with Saracens bundling over the try-line after some gritty Trailfinders defence to lead 5-0.

Jessica Cooksey instantly replied for Trailfinders after a sustained period of pressure from the home side, with a rampaging run and dummy equalling the scores.

Saracens lock Emma Taylor powered over the whitewash less than five minutes after, with a quick tap-and-go from 5m out.

A nice passage of play from Trailfinders backs almost resulted in another instant reply, with Courtney Pursglove’s foot just in touch down the right-hand side after a fluid move.

But it was Liz Crake who capitalised on the following overshot lineout to equal the scores again at 10-10.

Saracens finished the half on a high – Sydney Gregson first of all carving through the Trailfinders defence with a punishing line to restore Sarries’ advantage.

A length-of-the field attack from the following kick-off led to Chloe Flanagan racing through from 20m out to finish under the posts – the visitors heading into the break 24-10 up.

Heavy rain had a big role to play in the second half, with both teams struggling with the wet ball in hand and Sarries dominating at the scrum.

Saracens scored their first points of the second-half on the hour mark, with Mica Gooding touching down at the back of a marauding 30m driving maul.

The visitors added their sixth-try five minutes later – another powerful surge from close range extending their lead to 38-10.

As the final whistle neared, Sarries completed a comprehensive victory with May Campbell touching down and Jemma-Jo Linkins adding the extras.

A disappointing defeat for Trailfinders, but many positives to take after fielding a side with 12 players under the age of 22, and Liz Crake taking home the Arnold Hill Player of the March award.

The result leaves Saracens second in the table, with Trailfinders heading to Loughborough next weekend in the search for their first victory.