PWR: Saracens 36-33 Bristol Bears: Zoe Harrison penalty secures Sarries' win in dramatic fashion

Saracens take the win despite being 26-0 down with 30 minutes played. Bristol Bears started strong racking up 4 tries with 80% of the possession in the first half. However, Saracens’ execution in their attack gave Saracens the upper hand and ultimately the win thanks to a beast of a penalty kick by Zoe Harrison.

A quick start from Bristol Bears, opened the scoring for the afternoon, with a try from Millie David just 4 minutes in. Bristol attack continued with Ruahei Demant doubled the score just 3 minutes showing her world class ability. Bristol had all the ball in the first 20 minutes launching continuous waves of attack on the Saracens defence.

With just around 30 minutes played, Sarah Bern got herself a brace within two minutes and earned her team a try scoring bonus point before the half time whistle. With 5 minutes remaining, Saracens finally got their hands on the ball and capitalised quickly with Kelsey Clifford opening the scoreboard for Saracens with a great try from a driving maul.

Despite a tough first half for Saracens, lacking possession and defending heavily, Saracens once again made good use of the possession they did have finishing the half off with Kelsey Clifford bagging herself a second try in 5 minutes.

Saracens came out for the second half all guns blazing, with May Campbell getting over the line from a driving maul. With 30 minutes to play both teams made some key changes with Saracens making a triple change with Olivia Apps, Poppy Cleall, and Deborah Wills entering the field, and Bristol making a single change at number 6 with Delaney Burns entering the game.

Saracens continue their comeback levelling the score with a great run and offload from Sophie Bridger to Olivia Apps who got the ball over the line and a clean conversion from Zoe Harrison evened the score.

The home side gain the lead for the first time in the game with May Campbell bagging herself a brace. However, Bristol responded quickly with Keira Bevan drawing it back all square with a quick tap and go try. Then Zoe Harrison kicks a beast to bring Saracens back in the lead with two minutes to play. Bristol fought to the end launching a final attack however with the clock in red it was not to be for the visitors.

Tries: Clifford (35’ 40’) Campbell (48’ 72’) Apps (56’)

Conversions: Harrison (40’ 48’ 57’ 72’)

Penalties: Harrison (78’)

Starting XV: 1 Kelsey Clifford (off at 60), 2 May Campbell (cc)(off at 73), 3 Donna Rose (off at 57), 4 Louise McMillan, 5 Jodie Verghese, 6 Georgia Evans (off at 49), 7 Julia Omokhuale, 8 Marlie Packer (off at 57), 9 Tori Sellors (off at 49 on at 67), 10 Zoe Harrison (cc), 11 Lotte Sharp, 12 Sophie Bridger, 13 Emma Hardy (off at 49), 14 Sydney Gregson (off at 73), 15 Jess Breach

Replacements: 16 Bryony Field (on at 73), 17 Liz Crake (on at 60), 18 Carmen Tremelling (on at 57), 19 Gabrielle Senft (on at 57), 20 Poppy Cleall (on at 49), 21 Olivia Apps (on at 49 off at 67), 22 Amelia MacDougall (on at 73), 23 Deborah Wills (on at 49)

Tries: David (4’) Demant (7’) Bern (29’ 31’) Bevan (75’)

Conversions: Bevan (8’ 32’ 76’)

Starting XV: 1 Maisie Davies (off at 66), 2 Lana Skeldon (off at 62), 3 Sarah Bern (cc) (off at 73), 4 Hollie Cunningham, 5 Christiana Balogun, 6 Demelza Short (off at 49), 7 Pamphinette Buisa (off at 66), 8 Evie Gallagher, 9 Keira Bevan, 10 Ruahei Demant (cc), 11 Millie David, 12 Meryl Smith (off at 66), 13 Emma Orr, 14 Jazz Joyce, 15 Chloe Daniels (off at 66)

Replacements: 16 Amy Dale (on at 62), 17 Aisha Jah (on at 66), 18 Elliann Clarke (on at 73), 19 Delaney Burns (on at 49), 20 Gwennan Hopkins (on at 66), 21 Tilly Ryall, 22 Jenna De Vera (on at 66), 23 Ella Lovibond (on at 66)