Amelia MacDougall: Saracens relieved to secure win in 'physical' PWR Cup final

Amelia MacDougall was relieved to hear the final whistle as Saracens were crowned PWR Cup winners after a fraught clash with Harlequins at the StoneX Stadium.

The fly-half contributed to Sarries’ 43-33 victory with a decisive 13 points from five conversions and a penalty with the final kick of the game.

That penalty took the result beyond a score in a match which had swung in momentum throughout, as Quins equalised three times before Saracens made their advantage stick.

“[I’m feeling] pretty tired, but I’m happy to get the win. I'm just happy it's over as well,” reflected MacDougall.

“It was a pretty long game. Quins were more physical than we thought they were going to be. But it was a good game to end on.

“When that kick went over, it was just nice to celebrate with everyone and to know that the game was over and we had won. Celebrations in the changing rooms afterwards were fun as well.”

As Saracens took the lead first through Liz Crake, Quins’ response within five minutes set expectations of what was to follow as Lauren Torley burst over to level proceedings with both tries converted.

While Sarries took a 19-12 advantage in at half-time, a resurgence from Quins saw them level proceedings just after the break.

And it took a further exchange of tries before the north London side amassed a lead they could keep, as Ella Cromack’s try in the 66th minute proved consolatory for Quins.

It kept the pressure on MacDougall’s kicking but five conversions from a possible six proved she was up to the task, despite shaky preparations.

“I actually had a really bad kicking session in the warm-up, so I was quite nervous because I did know that conversions and penalties would matter in this game,” she explained.

“But Tyler [Yao, strength & condition coach] who was bringing on my tee, did well when I was stressing about it. He was just like, ‘Do your process and stick to what you're good at.’ Luckily, most of them went over.”

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The decision for MacDougall to wrap up the cup victory with a penalty goal came from one of the more experienced heads on the team for whom the triumph felt particularly special.

Bryony Cleall called time on her playing career with a final game in the cup winning side at Saracens’ home ground.

The prop came on as a 71st-minute substitute to see out the match following an impressive 27 years in the game, during which she has left a lasting impression on the squad.

“She's a massive influence on the team. She's been calm since she's come back. She's just done her job really well," said MacDougall.

“When she needs to come on and make an impact, she does that. She's got a great rugby IQ as well, so that helped us in the last few minutes of the game. She was the one who called for us to go for the post in that last kick.

“She’s been so good and to get the win for her was special.”