Sarries lose for first time since 2018

SARACENS’ title bid suffered a significant setback at Sandy Park as Exeter Chiefs ended their 33-match unbeaten streak.

In only their tenth game as a Premier 15s outfit, Chiefs scored three tries as they upset the odds to hand their opponents their first defeat since 2018.

With England star Poppy Cleall on the bench for Saracens, Exeter soon took the advantage after Eloise Hayward was pinged for not rolling away after bringing down Gabby Cantorna short of the line.

From the penalty, the Chiefs pack took the quick tap and worked the ball into the hands of Poppy Leitch to crash over from close range on 11 minutes.

On the brink of the water break, the hosts were able to extend their lead via the boot of Cantorna from the kicking tee to take an 8-0 lead into half-time.

As they held Saracens scoreless, Exeter’s strength in defence turned into early points upon the restart as flanker Kate Zachary charged down a Saracens kick from their own five-metre line to jump on the loose ball for the score.

Conditions soon deteriorated and hindered Saracens attempts to fire up their passing game, but captain Lotte Clapp came up with a moment of individual magic to score the visitors’ first points by beating two defenders on her way to the line.

Unnerved, Exeter kept their composure to frustrate Saracens as the game entered the final ten minutes when new signing Rachel Johnson scored the game-clinching try on her debut as Cara Wardle scored a consolation at the death for Sarries.

Exeter head coach Susie Appleby said: “I’m really pleased for the girls. We have worked hard and have had to deal with postponements, but we know where we want to get to. This performance shows the journey we are on.”