Saracens flex their muscles to batter Richmond
SARACENS overpowered Richmond to maintain their 100 per cent winning start to the new season.
The match opened with a ten-minute demonstration of both team’s defensive skills, but it was Saracens who proved able to break the deadlock with Poppy Cleall picking the ball up from a five-metre scrum to score between the posts.
The home side rallied and the following 20 minutes gave them a chance to demonstrate their own attacking ability as they created opportunities out wide.
Unfortunately for home fans, they were unable to convert any of their numerous chances into points, and it was the visitors who crossed with a try in the corner from Garnet Mackinder.
In the second half, Saracens made good use of a player advantage thanks to two yellow cards, first for Chloe Butler and then a second for Katie Wallis.
Two second-half tries from Cleall extended their lead to 0-24; the bonus point secured with ten minutes left of the match.
Despite Richmond bossing territory and possession in a sustained assault on the Saracens defence, they were unable to convert their hard work into points.
The game was concluded instead by a fifth try for Saracens, and fourth for Cleall on the stroke of full time as Saracens demonstrated their ruthless ability to turn every trip into the Richmond 22 into points.
They sit just a point behind Harlequins at the top of the table, with five wins from their first matches, and this display suggests they will mount a serious challenge.