Trailfinders Women’s first home game of their inaugural season ended in a narrow defeat, losing 29-24 to Gloucester-Hartpury in the Allianz Cup.
In a frantic first half, the home side opened the scoring early on, Elizabeth Crake bundling over the whitewash after a brilliant lineout move.
Trailfinders set the tone early on, with complete dominance at the scrum. However, Gloucester-Hartpury were quick to reply, with captain Rachel Lund scoring from her own half after ripping the ball in contact, against the run of play.
Gloucester-Hartpury then scored twice more in quick succession, tries from Pip Hendy and Olivia Constable, putting them ahead 17-7. Trailfinders were able to finish the half on a high.
Amanda McQuade made a 25-metre breakaway off the back of the maul to score in the corner.
Rosie Inman missed the conversion, and Trailfinders went into the intermission down 17-12.
The second half continued in the same fashion as the first. Gloucester-Hartpury were quick off the mark, as Elisabeth Shermer scored from a neat offload to extend their lead.
Trailfinders were then able to notch one back. Amy Wilson-Hardy looped a cross-field kick in behind the Gloucester-Hartpury line and was able to take advantage of the awkward bounce and score.
Midway through the second half, Gloucester-Hartpury’s Cath Richards found herself in acres of space, and a cross-field kick into her led them to their 5th try of the day.
Again the home side rallied, as Annabel Meta broke through for a 50-metre run but was tackled just short.
Player of the Match McQuade was on hand to pick up the offload for her second try of the day. Rosie Inman converted the extra points, leaving Trailfinders within 5.
In a brilliant performance, McQuade again burst through the line with a powerful run. However, despite the flowing move that followed, Trailfinders were unable to find that elusive final try, and the game finished 29-24.
