Saracens v Worcester
Despite their disparity in success these are the two clubs to have announced match fees for their players.
Photo: Ash Goodchild @sporting_ash21
Sarries had both Clealls, Lauren Cattell, Zoe Harrison and Rosie Galligan missing, but there was plenty of electricity left in the battery.
Worcester have acquired a lot of new talent and are one of the youngest outfits in the Tyrrells. But in rugby youth rarely has its way without plenty of experience alongside it.
They reacted admirably to Sarries’ show of force in the first half, winning turnovers, counter-attacking and beating the occasional tackle. But getting over the line was another matter. Time and again breakdowns weren’t cleared quickly enough, line-outs went wrong, an unwise option was selected or a pass missed its target.
The hosts had to work hard for their rewards. Though they too were affected by the wet ball, they had the skill to finish off promising attacks.
Sarah McKenna completed a lovely move with a feint inside and burst on the outside to go over wide left. The rest of the half was punctuated with other scores, Lotte Clapp weaved her way to the right to cross the line. Marlie Packer made her presence felt to complete a forward drive.
Meg Goddard got the visitors off the mark with a penalty, but before half-time Rachel Laqeretabua benefited wide right from a big forward drive
Half-time 29-3
The fear was that the Warriors wouldn’t be able to maintain their stout defence and strong counters through to the end. In fact they held up pretty well, but they couldn’t prevent Sarries from adding to their collection of tries. Rocky Clark finished off a move in her own fashion, but Worcester kept their pecker up.
Only towards the end did the gaps open up.
Molly Morrissey found one and served Mackenzie Carson for a try under the posts. Vicky Fleetwood enjoys the open spaces, and her pace and aggression tore holes in the Warrior defences. She went over for a splendid solo try.
Worcester can take some comfort from their performance against the champions. They kept asking questions; the trouble was they couldn’t provide the answers themselves.
Result: 55-3
Table after 4 Rounds
| Harlequins | 20 | ||
| Saracens | 20 | ||
| Wasps | 15 | ||
| Gloucester Hartpury | 15 | ||
| Loughborough Lightning | 12 | ||
| Bristol Bears | 11 | ||
| DMP Sharks | 5 | ||
| Richmond | 5 | ||
| Firwood Waterloo | 1 | ||
| Worcester Warriors | 0 |
Tailpiece: Some gate prices
Quins £10
Saracens £10
Wasps £5
DMP £2
