Cleall injury spoils Sarries party

DEBORAH Fleming scored two tries on her first start for Saracens in another hard day for DMP Sharks, but the afternoon was not without bad news that has potential ramifications for England’s Six Nations run-in.

Ahead of the Red Roses squad announcement on Tuesday, head coach Simon Middleton will be chasing updates on the injury suffered by Bryony Cleall that saw her leave the pitch just four minutes into her return to action after a lengthy lay-off.

Despite the early setback Saracens soon got into their stride as Tamara Taylor crossed for the game’s first try on seven minutes, following up for her second moments later under the posts.

Saracens and England stalwart Marlie Packer then matched Taylor’s feat by scoring twice in quick succession – her second created by a break and offload from Poppy Cleall.

Trailing 22-0 at half-time, DMP worked hard to retain possession in order to find a breakthrough. However after an encouraging two-minute spell their efforts were undone when they conceded a penalty in their own half and allowed Saracens to kick to the corner. May Campbell claimed the lineout and was driven over by the rest of the pack for the fifth try.

Then the floodgates opened with England Sevens star Deborah Fleming to the fore. She crossed twice with Rocky Clark and Emma Uren also scoring two tries apiece, while centre Hannah Casey also touched down in another one-sided affair that leaves Sharks pointless in the table after three games.