Saracens suffer first defeat as Cowell strikes for Harlequins
Harlequins Ladies became the first side to beat defending Premier 15s champions Saracens Women this season when they staged a dramatic comeback to win 20-17 at the Stoop.
In the build-up to the rematch of last April’s inaugural final, Quins, who have produced comparably patchy form this season in drawing with Bristol Bears and losing to Loughborough Lightning, called upon the services of Paul Gustard, former England defence coach and current Harlequins men’s head of rugby, to take a session.
On this evidence, it would seem to have paid dividends.
A late try by Harlequins wing Heather Cowell nicked victory for the south-west Londoners.
Saracens deployed their quick-fire scoring tactics which can often derail teams.
Tight-head prop Hannah Botterman, who was named in Simon Middleton’s England squad for the autumn internationals, and outside centre Cara Wardle both crossed in quick succession to give Sarries a 12-3 lead.
Quins showed their mettle as Swedish Test hooker Tove Viksten scored to make it 12-10 going into the interval.
Marlie Packer, the 2014 World Cup winner, scored soon after the break and looked to have put her side back in control.
However, a yellow card for Saracens replacement Kay Searcy gave Quins a way back into the game, with Cowell taking advantage by scoring.
Harlequins moved up to third place and Saracens fell into second behind Loughborough Lightning, now the only unbeaten side after six rounds.
Loughborough demolished
Darlington Mowden Park Sharks 59-3, and this was the first time that experienced England fly-half Katy Daley-mclean had played against her former side since her summer move to the East Midlands.
Wasps, who played as part of a double-header with their male counterparts at the Ricoh Arena for the first time, sit in fourth place following their 31-15 win over
Richmond.
Bristol Bears put in a dominant performance against Waterloo, romping to a 75-13 victory.
Worcester Valkyries still remain winless over both Premier 15s campaigns as Gloucester Hartpury put them to the sword by 67-3. Kelly Smith and Ellie Underwood scored hat-tricks.