Conversion makes all the difference for Darlington

A converted try by former England international Georgina Roberts gave struggling Darlington Mowden Park Sharks a muchneeded victory.

While Premier 15s top two Saracens and Harlequins ran riot, Darlington were grateful for a 7-5 victory over Bristol Bears. Defending champions Saracens demolished Richmond 48-0 to stay top, ahead of Harlequins, who hammered Waterloo 65-0.

It was just Darlington’s third win of the season. Bristol have benefited from increased integration with their male counterparts at Bristol Bears.

Darlington sit second from bottom – above the still winless Worcester Valkyries – partly due to England fly-half Katy Daleymclean’s transfer to Loughborough Lightning and the long-term injury of lock Tamara Taylor. It seemed as if the first half would end scoreless until Roberts, playing at scrumhalf, freed herself from a ruck to sprint under the posts. The conversion from fly-half Hannah Morton would prove to be crucial.

Bristol came out after the interval playing with aggression and holding on to possession in the tricky weather conditions but continued to struggle to make the most of attacking opportunities. It took until the 56th minute for promising centre Lucy Atwood, who earned her first two England caps during the Quilter Internationals, to find a gap in the defence and cross for a try but, after the conversion was missed, Kim Oliver’s side could not level.

Third-placed Loughborough Lightning recovered from their loss against Harlequins last week with a 29-10 home win over Gloucester-hartpury, who beat the East Midlands side to the final play-off spot last season.

Worcester Valkyries were beaten 48-5 by fifth-placed Wasps FC Ladies at Sixways Stadium.