Statement Lynn’s side secure fine opening win over Exeter
GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY pulled off a statement 25-17 win against last season’s finalists, Exeter in the opening game of the Allianz Premier 15s campaign.
Sophie Bridger scored a well-worked try inside three minutes, with Emma Sing adding a conversion and a penalty to open up a 10-point lead.
Exeter responded through Ebony Jef on 20 minutes, but Natasha Hunt’s opportunistic score from the back of a scrum restored the visitors’ advantage, as Gloucester-hartpury took a 12-point lead into half time.
Rachel Lund added a third in the 55th minute, and Sing slotted another penalty to all but seal the win.
The Chiefs crashed over the chalk twice in the closing stages through Katie Buchanan and Cliodhna Moloney, with Olivia Mcgoverne’s last minute conversion finishing the scoring.
Sean Lynn’s side sent shockwaves through the league in the off-season as they swooped to sign Red Roses Maud Muir and Alex Matthews, as well as Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap.
“We’ve always looked at top four, we looked at getting there last year and the year before,” said Lynn. “We’re trying to get everything in place to make sure we’ve got the personnel to make that top four. We’ve just lacked a bit of strength in depth in the past. We’ve had some injuries and we just didn’t have a big enough squad to compete with the top four teams.
“We’ve put an emphasis on that in terms of our recruitment this year.”
The internationals rejoin the league after a minimum of two weeks’ rest, with five rounds of the Allianz Cup having already taken place.
“We’ve used the Cup as that building block,” said Lynn. “I’m very loyal and if you put your hands up in those games, you deserve that jersey.
“We had our first training session with the internationals, and we showed them the highlights of what the girls have done in the Cup. They’re starting to see what they’re all about.”
Drybrook’s Hunt will be a key player for the club once again and the scrumhalf says she’s playing better than ever ahead of the new season.
Hunt is even setting new personal bests on the bench press aged 33.
“I’m in my prime!” said Hunt. “A lot of the girls have been setting new markers in the gym and we enjoy our time on and off the field.
“Everyone loves a Gloucester night out, and that’s important.
“I feel like I’m playing some of the best rugby I’ve ever played. I’m excited to get the season under way.”
Lynn’s side are to play two games at Kingsholm in 2023.
On February 25, they face Saracens and meet Harlequins on May 20, with tickets on sale now at £10 for adults and £5 for children.
The side sit top of Pool B of the Allianz Cup with three wins from four games.
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