A strong second half from an experienced opponent sees Bristol Ladies fall to defeat at Allianz Park
Bristol started brightly in the first half, and opened the scoring with a well-executed drop goal from the boot of Elinor Snowsill. Snowsill continued her recent form, by slotting in a penalty won by Bristol after exerting pressure on the Saracens defensive line.
Saracens stepped up the pace and hit back with two first half tries, taking the score to 10 – 6 with 20 minutes played. Bristol returned the pressure, testing the home sides defence with a series of strong carries around the fringes. The continued pressure resulted in a try for Captain Sarah Hunter, before Bristol let Saracens in again – conceding the final points of the half out wide. The score at half time was 15 – 13.
After the break the home side came out strongly, claiming the next two scores, with a refreshed back three causing issues for the Bristol defence. As the game progressed Bristol continue to create breaks, but were punished for a lack of accuracy in possession. Saracens used their experience and strength to their advantage – pushing hard and keeping Bristol from staging a comeback. The final score was 32 – 13
Bristol Forward of the game: Sarah Hunter
Bristol Back of the game: Elinor Snowsill
Voted for by the players
Bristol Coach Royston Davies said “It was a really entertaining game with a strong performance from Bristol. We played brilliantly for 60 minutes, matching Saracens all the way. The experience of the Saracens team shone through in the final quarter – as they upped the pressure, and capitalised on any small errors we made. There was such an improvement in our performance from earlier in the season – and we’re ready to move forward for the deciding game against Worcester next weekend, which will determine our place in the playoffs.”
Report by Emma Bacon, Media Manager, Bristol Ladies
Above photo from RMT Photography
