Wasps fell to a 21-5 loss against last season’s champions Saracens at Allianz Park. The visitors were put under pressure for large parts of the game but refused to fold. Saracens looked good value for their victory as they dominated possession and territory and remain undefeated.
Wasps defended valiantly for large periods of the first half but the deadlock was broken shortly before half time. After stopping Saracens from a lineout, the ball was spread wide and Vicky Fleetwood carried well to dot the ball down in the tackle. An excellent touchline conversion gave the hosts a 7-0 lead.
Saracens were fast out the blocks in the second half, with two tries in quick succession. An initial break from Sarah McKenna put Saracens in striking distance – but a powerful scrum forced the referee to award a penalty try. The second came shortly after as captain Lotte Clapp pounced on a loose ball and raced away to score from 40m, extending the lead to 21-0.
Wasps continued to battle hard and began to work themselves into the game. Their opening try came after Tova Derk used her pace to break inside the Saracens 22m, Sarah Mitchelson was on hand to finish off the score. Despite further field position for the black and gold, they were unable to convert the opportunity into points.
Saracens regained a foothold in the game and looked like they would score a bonus point try at the death. However, after a monumental defensive effort, Wasps repelled the home side to deny them the extra point.
The result sees Saracens retain their position at the top of the Tyyrell’s Premier 15s as unbeaten this season. Wasps will look to regain momentum next week as they host Richmond at the Ricoh Arena.
Wasps
Nolli Waterman
Amy Wilson Hardy
Katie Mason
Kate Alder
Tova Derk
Lizzie Goulden
Claudia Macdonald
Liz Crake
Claire Molloy
Sarah Mitchelson
Nora Baltruweit
Alice Sheffield
Hannah West
Cliodhna Moloney
Claire Purdy
Replacements
Kate Hallett
Kany Adefemiwa-Afilaka
Emily Maisey
Nicola Smith
Flo Williams
Louise Dodd
Garnet Mackinder
Courtesy of Wasps
