Hunter helps Lightning to strike back

Saracens Women are just one point ahead of Loughborough Lightning at the top of the Premier 15s. After succumbing to their first defeat of the season, 29-0 against Saracens, Loughborough benefited from the return of players from international duty such as England captain Sarah Hunter, who scored a brace in her side’s 28-10 win over fourth-placed Wasps.

Hurting from last week’s heavy loss, Loughborough showed their intent from the off, with Hunter scoring after two minutes, the No 8 driving over from close range after solid work from the pack.

Just as Wasps managed to get points on the board via the boot of Lizzie Goulden, Hunter went over for her second, taking the score to 14-3 heading into the interval.

After patchy place-kicking for England, particularly against Canada and Ireland, fly-half Katy Daley-mclean returned to form as she was successful with all her attempts at goal. Loughborough secured a try bonus point after scores from flanker Jo Brown, another player returned from the England camp, and replacement front-row Leah Bartlett.

Wasps got a try in the final play as hooker Hannah West, in her 50th outing for the club, scored.

Harlequins Ladies are third after a 39-10 win over Bristol Bears. Worcester Valkyries are yet to secure a win after almost a season and a half in the competition. They were demolished 63-0 by Saracens.

Gloucester-hartpury put 64 unanswered points on Darlington Mowden Park Sharks. Richmond, who have been struggling this season, bucked the trend with a 24-10 win over Waterloo for their third win of the season.