Catlin claims Wasps scalp

Loughborough Lightning remain the only unbeaten side heading into the international window after thrashing bottom side Worcester Valkyries 64-12.

While the leaders’ result against Worcester, who are still winless since the league’s inception last year, was predictable, Harlequins’ 24-8 win over Wasps FC Ladies would have been tougher to call, particularly considering Quins’ patchier form earlier in the season.

However, since Harlequins beat defending champions Saracens at the Stoop two weeks ago, the west Londoners seem to have rediscovered their groove.

Hooker Davinia Catlin scored a brace, and Fiona Fletcher also crossed. The game became fragmented in the second half as four players were sent to the sin-bin: Harlequins backs Ellie Green and Emily Scott, and Wasps’ Lizzie Goulden and scrum-half Claudia Macdonald, who has been mooted to make her England debut during the Quilter internationals.

The visitors clicked towards the end of the game, with wing Garnet Mackinder, who moved from Saracens to Wasps over the summer, scoring her side’s only try with a minute on the clock.

Harlequins move up to third, behind Saracens, who beat Bristol Bears Women 32-15 away. Bristol fall to sixth, while Gloucesterhartpury push up to fifth after their 34-15 home win against Richmond.

Waterloo moved into seventh place with a 22-14 victory over Darlington Mowden Park Sharks.