Round 10 Review: Trailfinders and Quins snatch late draws

A late missed conversion saw Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs share the spoils in the second of two draws in Round 10 of Premiership Women's Rugby

Saracens were dominant as they kept pace in the title race with a big win over Leicester Tigers

Saturday’s action saw another nail-biting thriller take place at Shaftesbury Park as Trailfinders Women snatched a last-gasp draw against Bristol Bears on the road, while Gloucester Hartpury were victorious away to Sale Sharks.

Bristol Bears 26-26 Trailfinders Women

Trailfinders Women fought back from 21-0 to snatch a hard-fought draw away to Bristol Bears.

The home side had things all their own way during the first half as Sarah Bern gave Bears a dream start after just five minutes.

Two more scores followed via Evie Gallagher and Keira Bevan, with the latter slotting home all three conversions to give her side a healthy lead.

Vicky Laflin stopped the onslaught with a try courtesy of Niamh Gallagher’s kick with the full-back then adding the extras to leave the score 21-7 at the break.

Grace White’s converted effort four minutes into the second half cut the deficit to seven before Reneeqa Bonner extended Bears’ advantage.

But Trailfinders continued to battle and Rachel Malcolm’s try once again got her side back within one converted score.

And with time running out, Trailfinders duly found it through Emma Uren with just three minutes to go.

Niamh Gallagher then held her nerve to add the extra two points to ensure the contest finished all square.

Sale Sharks 7-22 Gloucester Hartpury

Gloucester Hartpury overcame a spirited Sale Sharks to maintain their 100% record in the PWR.

Mia Venner gave her side the perfect start after she darted through a gap in the Sharks defence after just one minute.

Both sides then traded tries through Kelsey Jones and Amelia Hyndman to leave the score 12-7 halfway at the break.

Despite the best efforts of the home side, the leaders notched up their third try through Emma Sing after some quick hands from Lleucu George and Hannah Dallavalle in the build-up.

The second half only saw one score as Rachel Lund crossed over to secure the bonus point.

Leicester Tigers 0-81 Saracens

Jess Breach scored four of Saracens' 13 tries in their 81-0 win away at Leicester Tigers.

May Campbell opened the scoring before Breach got her first of the afternoon with a turn of pace.

Paige Farries and Georgia Evans then added their name to the scoresheet, with Evans scoring from 40 metres out.

Tries for Sophie Bridger, Breach, Campbell and Lotte Sharp meant Saracens went into the break with a 54-0 lead.

Jodie Verghese then earned a try on her first PWR start, before Tori Sellors became the eighth Saracens player to score.

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Sharp got her second before Breach secured her hat-trick, getting her fourth and the final try with nine minutes remaining.

Harlequins 38-38 Exeter Chiefs

Lagi Tuima's last-gasp try earned Harlequins a pulsating 38-38 draw with Exteter Chiefs.

Aoife Wafer put the hosts ahead early on as she powered over the line before Alex Tessier hit right back for the Chiefs.

The game was played on a knife edge in the first half as the visitors again reeled Quins in after they went ahead through Lauren Torley.

Emily Tuttosi levelled proceedings before Chiefs went ahead for the first time Francesca Granzotto before Ellie Kildunne brought it back to 21-21.

Chiefs took a slight advantage into the break after Flo Robinson raced over and moved into a comfortable lead after half-time as Tessier got her second of the afternoon.

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Quins earned their bonus point through Sarah Parry as she cut the gap to nine but a clutch penalty from Liv McGoverne gave Chiefs breathing room.

Tries for Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Tuima set up a tantalising finish as Claudia Pena had a chance to win the game for the hosts with a conversion attempt in the 86th minute, but it went wide to ensure Exeter Chiefs' third draw of the season.