Trailfinders Women’s PWR Cup campaign came to an end following a 19-5 defeat to Exeter Chiefs Women on a wet Saturday afternoon at Sandy Park.

Starting brightly, Trailfinders enjoyed early possession of the ball but failed to convert periods of control into points.

It was the hosts that struck first when a driving maul in the 16th minute saw hooker Kayleigh Priest get over the Trailfinders line to score on her Sandy Park debut. The subsequent conversion was confidently dispatched by Liv McGoverne to give Chiefs the 7-0 lead.

A second try followed for Exeter just after the halfway of the first 40, with the Chiefs forwards’ determination proving enough to see Alessia Skeates score. McGoverne’s second conversion gave the home side the 14-0 lead heading into halftime.

HT: Exeter Chiefs 14-0 Trailfinders Women

A short relief from the rain and Trailfinders came out in the second half pushing for openings. However, despite our efforts, a penalty on our 22 resulted in a well-worked try from wide scored by Katie Buchanan. McGoverne couldn’t make it three from three, and the score stood at 19-0.

The 72nd minute brought a notable moment for Trailfinders as Isla Pomroy made her debut. The City of Oxford pathway product and current Brunel University student was one of eight Brunel student to feature in today’s match-day squad.

Trailfinders’ persistence did ultimately pay off late in the game. Pressure on the Chiefs defence resulted in a sharp release from Sophie Molton finding its way to Charlie Holland, whose step between two defenders saw enough a gap to get the ball down over the line from close.

The final whistle saw the score finish 19-5, ending our PWR Cup campaign just shy of the knockouts.

FT: Exeter Chiefs 19-5 Trailfinders Women

Exeter Chiefs – 

Tries: Kayleigh Priest (16), Alessia Skeates (22), Katie Buchanan (45)

Conversions: Liv McGoverne (17, 23)

Trailfinders Women –

Tries: Charlie Holland (79)