Champs make an ominous start to defence
SARACENS made the perfect start to the defence of their Premier 15s title as they eased to a comfortable victory away to Firwood Waterloo.
Early on it was the Cleall show as Poppy and Bryony caused havoc in the Waterloo defence, the former scoring the first try from a catch-and-drive as the visiting pack completely dominated proceedings.
Following a break from Bryony midway through the first half, Poppy Cleall went over again with Lauren Cattell converting this time after failing to add the extras to the first score.
Ellena Perry made a superb line break through a stunned Waterloo defence and produced a scintillating offload to set up Rosie Galligan for the third try, which Cattell again converted for a 19-0 half-time lead.
Sarries carried that dominance into the second half, wrapping up the bonus point when Kat Evans ran in the fourth try, Cattell again proving effective form the tee.
Byrony Cleall joined her sister on the scoreboard with a fifth as Sarries demonstrated the sort of clinical finishing that helped them lift the inaugural title last term.
To their credit, Waterloo then hit back through Georgie Perris-Redding, who beat three defenders to touch down after quick hands freed on the right.
Still, it was Saracens who had the final say however, as Georgie Lingham went over after good work from Lotte Clapp in the build-up.
Waterloo finished second bottom with only two victories to their name last term, so perhaps not too much can be gleaned but Sarries already look a good bet to retain their title.