Aldcroft and Smith run riot as Sharks struggle
GLOUCESTER-Hartpury got back to winning ways in the Premier 15s with a dominant performance against DMP Sharks.
The returning England internationals Zoe Aldcroft and Kelly Smith led the way, both crossing for impressive hat-tricks.
Smith maintained her superb recent run of form for both club and country, her pace and lines of running making her a real handful against a Darlington side that could not slow her down.
The platform was set up front, where Gloucester Hart pury simply had too much power for a spirited visiting outfit who never threw in the towel despite being outgunned.
Skipper Aldcroft, playing against her former club, crossed for a first half hat-trick to put the outcome beyond doubt and, from that point on, it was just a case of how many.
There was also a steely determination about Gloucester-Hartpury in defence, even as the Sharks sought a late consolation score, there was a period of physical tackling to keep the line intact as Susie Appleby’s side refused to take their foot off the pedal.
The home side had shot out of the blocks with Smith’s first try after just four minutes, with Shauna Bennett grabbing the bonus point with 24 minutes on the clock.
Bennett’s centre partner Emily Wood also played a key role, grabbing two tries.
The victory moves Gloucester-Hartpury into fifth place in the table with a huge local derby against local rivals Bristol Bears Women coming up next weekend, with bragging rights and league points at stake.