No end in sight for Saracens’ perfect record
MARLIE Packer scored two tries as Saracens went over six times against Loughborough Lightning to maintain their 100 per cent league record.
Hannah Botterman drew first blood with an unconverted score after seven minutes thanks to a sharp Poppy Cleall turnover to allow the prop to muscle over.
Cara Wardle scored soon afterwards for Saracens as Zoe Harrison spotted space behind the Lightning defence and threading a delicate kick through for the centre to collect.
Packer added a third with Lotte Clapp securing the bonus point prior to half-time and the visitors a 20-point advantage at the break.
Georgie Lingham went close for Saracens in the second half, but it was Cleall who would extend their lead as Saracens flexed their muscles at a five-metre scrum.
Natasha Jones slipped under the posts for a consolation score for Loughborough Lightning. But it was Packer who would have the last laugh as she broke the line for her second score.
Saracens head coach Rob Cain said: “What a great way to finish 2017. I am so happy for the players and backroom staff.
“So much effort goes into what we do, on and off the pitch, and it’s a great reward being top of the table with so many impressive individual and team performances for the first part of the season.
“We were aggressive, clinical and relentless with our work rate, which allowed us to really pressurise a talented Loughborough team and suffocate their ability to play their game.”