Saracens cling on as defence holds firm
SARACENS Women had to dig in for a nervy final few moments as they battled hard to victory over a gutsy Gloucester-Hartpury outfit.
The Women in Black racked up five tries and were looking comfortable heading into the closing stages, but then conceded a try and saw Kay Searcy sin binned.
However, they remained focused to repel the waves of Gloucester attacks and secure victory.
Sarries scored three late tries last time out against Harlequins Ladies, but this week they showed their class at the other end to hold firm and maintain their lead at the top of the Premier 15s.
Gloucester-Hartpury came out of the blocks quicker, and went ahead in the second minute through Tatyana Heard, but Saracens levelled 12 minutes later when Zoe Harrison found Sarah McKenna on the right for a straightforward finish.
McKenna caused problems for the Gloucester backline all afternoon and in the 28th minute the England international put Saracens ahead, collecting a short pass from Harrison, side-stepping to the right and sprinting for the corner.
Gloucester-Hartpury replied straight away through Dyddgu Hywel, but Bryony Cleall restored Saracens’ lead just before half-time, displaying her trademark strength as she crashed over with aplomb.
That lead was extended further just after the break when McKenna turned provider to loop a pass out to Hannah Casey on the right, who dodged a tackle to squeeze over in the corner.
The home side again responded quickly, Heard scoring under the posts after sloppy play by Saracens. Katie Dougan was sin binned for the hosts in the 55thminute, with Sarries taking full advantage, driving the maul forward from a lineout for May Campbell to go over. Harrison added a penalty soon after to further stretch the advantage.
The hosts piled on the pressure in the closing stages, and a Tazmin Brickall try six minutes from time made for a nail-biting finish, but Saracens held on to secure their 14th win of the season.
Player of the match Harrison said: “They brought a really hard effort. We struggled a bit but we really put it in after halftime and came out fighting.”