Can you believe it? Of the six teams in action today four totalled 33 points. There was excitement everywhere, but Franklin’s Gardens must take the prize: Loughborough Lightning and Exeter Chiefs played out a 33-33 draw.
It was 14-14 at the break, and the drama increased relentlessly.
On 80 minutes Meg Davey completed Lightning’s last try to bring the score to 31-33. All depended on Helen Nelson. Not for the first time in her career she kept her cool.
But that wasn’t the chequered flag. Across the following five minutes neither side was prepared to settle for a draw; the game roared from end to end. DaLeaka Menin gave another impression of her wing three-quarter skills. Then Lightning were nearly over at the other end.
Did we really hear coaches shouting “Kick it into touch”?
In the end, a rapid Chiefs’ attack just failed to find completion. Breathless stuff.
Result: 33-33
Player of the Match: Maddie Feaunati
Supporters at the Stoop will claim their game was even more exciting, but Gloucester-Hartpury had too much all-round strength. At least Quins had the minor reward of two bonus points (4 tries and a margin of 7).
It’s a wry thought that once again the presence of a TMO at a match covered by TNT may have made a signal difference to the league’s outcome. Quins were denied a try by a verdict of “held up”. This is not to question the decision of either the referee, Henry Pearson, or the TMO, Nikki O’ Donnell. It’s simply that it would be fairer if the same number of officials were present at all matches.
Result: Quins 26 Gloucester-Hartpury 33
The third match at Shaftesbury Park was less close fought, Sarries finishing with a comfortable 21-point lead. But their total too added up to 33.
Once more it’s hard to see Bears’ results matching their ambitions. There are too many pieces in their machine that don’t quite fit together.
Result: Bristol Bears 12 Saracens 33
Player of the Match: Zoe Harrison
The table
It’s still early days, and the presence of an odd number of clubs doesn’t help. But Gloucester-Hartpury are the only side with full points (15) after three matches. Sarries are on 10 after two.
Tigers had the weekend off. Let’s hope they can benefit from the break as much as Trailfinders did yesterday, but I fear the worst.
Afterthoughts
It already looks as though Glos-Pury will take a fourth title. That would be a huge setback for a league that needs all the competition and tension it can muster. It comes to resemble the predictability of the 6 Nations all too closely.
Floodlights: a concern – I can think of three grounds where there is insufficient illumination. Bears performed today on their home ground rather than the football stadium in town. There was a good crowd present, but cameras had to peer through the gloom long before time was called.
Officials: last week seven were women; good. This week two of thirteen were female. The studio lights of the media shine very brightly, but it would be encouraging to see more retiring players follow Holly Wood’s example and turn to refereeing.
Unfortunate statements
1. Lightning are the latest to call their ‘home’ ground a ‘fortress’. Hoho.
2. Saracens’ promo stated: ‘There’s only one team in London and it’s us!’ I think PWR Ltd should have a word.
I hope nobody took my recent headline: ‘Has Kildunne played her last game for England?’ too seriously. It was tongue in cheek. Not a chance!
Don’t be anointing G-H just yet- they’ve got pretty much all their big players available. Trailfinders are going to get better as their players learn each others names, Sarries look better each week and Quins are missing some big names too. Remember what Exeter looked like at Xmas last season? A few key injuries to G-H and the Quad Queens will be far from favourites