Casey snatches Saracens win

Defending champions Saracens Women showed their composure and class to steal a late 31-28 win over closest rivals Harlequins in a pulsating London derby.

Outside centre Hannah Casey crossed in the dying moments to complete a remarkable victory after Saracens had trailed by 16 points going into the final five minutes at Allianz Park.

They are now seven points clear of second-placed Quins at the top of the table.

Emily Scott, playing at full-back, opened the scoring for Quins early on. The 26-year-old has added dynamism to the back line since returning from the full-time sevens programme. The versatile back’s good form was rewarded with a part-time England XVS contract this month.

Saracens’ Bryony Cleall, who has also been given a part-time deal by the RFU despite not yet having won a senior England cap, quickly replied for Saracens.

Scott got her second try and wing Heather Cowell swiftly followed her in scoring before Saracens’ full-time professional England prop Hannah Botterman crashed over.

After the interval, the visitors extended their lead to 28-12 with a try from Scotland No 8 Jade Konkel. However, Saracens showed their mettle in the dramatic closing five minutes as a penalty try was followed by tries from replacement Sydney Gregson and Casey to clinch a dramatic victory.

Loughborough Lightning sit third, just three points behind, Quins after they ran riot 53-14 against Darlington Mowden Park Sharks away. Wasps, who occupy the final play-off place, beat Richmond 38-12.