JAECOO Next Gen Cup: Trailfinders and Sharks among Round 1 winners

The JAECOO Next Gen Cup got off to an entertaining start with a couple of closely-fought encounters headlining the opening day’s action.

Here’s how it played out…

Trailfinders fight back

Trailfinders Women produced a stirring second-half fightback to beat Bristol Bears 28-24 at Oaklands.

Early converted tries from Ella Lovibond and Zoe Evans gave Bears early control but Flo Long soon got the visitors on the scoreboard.

Lovibond’s second made it 19-7 at the break and though Evie Collingbourne reduced the deficit after the break, Holly Phillips’ try stretched the hosts’ lead to 24-14 and appeared decisive, particularly when Lauren Manners was sent to the sin-bin.

But having held firm while a player light, Trailfinders then struck twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head as Amanda McQuade and Lucy Sharpe crossed to ensure a winning start for the West London outfit.

Hartpury pull clear

Gloucester Hartpury got up and running with a 68-19 win over Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop.

The hosts flew out the traps and debutants Summer Charlesworth and Grace Keel both scored to open up a 14-0 advantage.

The Circus responded with five unanswered tries courtesy of Martha Green, Abi Pritchard, Carys Hughes, Georgia Brock and Lucy Simpson to take a commanding 35-14 lead into the interval.

They continued their momentum in the second half, with Brock adding her second and Evelyn Clarke crossing twice on her debut. Zara Green gave Quins something to cheer but tries from Meg Davies and Tilly Kidd added late gloss to the scoreline for Gloucester Hartpury.

Thorpe strikes late

Holly Thorpe’s late try settled a tight game in Sale Sharks’ favour as they overcame Loughborough Lightning 34-26 at Morson Road.

Thorpe was first to cross for her side, flying over on the left, and was joined on the scoresheet by debutant Freya Aucken as Sale went 12-0 up early on.

Izzy Clist got Lightning on the board but Sale restored their two-try cushion with a brilliant solo score from Sophie Hughes.

Lotte Peirsegaele added a fourth for Sale before the break, which arrived with the hosts 26-12 to the good, Ellie Tromans adding Loughborough’s second try.

Amy Layzell, one of seven Lightning debutants, scored twice after the break as the visitors roared back, with a brilliant interception try converted to bring them level on 72 minutes.

Sale regathered themselves to score the all-important next try, courtesy of Thorpe, and a late Lizzie Duffy penalty denied Loughborough a losing bonus point.

Sarries on song

Saracens scored 33 points in each half as they earned a 66-0 win at Leicester Tigers.

Charlotte Wright-Haley set the tone with a try inside three minutes before Joia Bennett, Daisy Fitzgerald, Emma Hardy and Sophie Bridger added further scores.

There was no let-up after the break as Poppy Cleall, Lotte Sharp (2), Louise McMillan and Morgan Freeman put the seal on a dominant display.