Round 11 in Numbers

Round 11 of the PWR saw some crucial clashes, with some shock results and last-minute winners. Kicking off at Kingsholm on Saturday 14th February, Gloucester Hartpury hoped to secure a Valentine’s Day win, coming up against Harlequins. It was Gloucester’s Kate Williams who scored the first points of the afternoon with a try in the 9th minute, converted by Lleucu George. Ella Cromack responded with a try of her own shortly after, starting a back and forth between the two clubs. Though, it was Gloucester who came out victorious, putting 45 points on their scoresheet and taking home a bonus point 45-22 win.

The afternoon continued over in West London, where Trailfinders hosted Sale Sharks. A penalty try in the 15th minute was the only thing separating the sides, which started an even battle. The home side edged in front of the Sharks, extending their lead to 31-21 in the 57th minute, but the Northerners weren’t done yet. A dominant comeback saw Sale Sharks take the win, cemented by Lizzie Duffy’s extra time penalty goal, making the score 31-36 to them.

Loughborough Lightning had a long day ahead of them on Sunday 15th February, where to travelled to Sandy Park to take on Exeter Chiefs. Francesca Granzotto began the Chiefs’ rampage with a try in the 10th minute, just before Loughborough’s Kathryn Treder crossed the line in the 17th minute. The home side went on to score three more tries and prevent Lightning from striking again, earning them a bonus point win and third place in the table with a 26-5 scoreline!

Last but not least, Saracens welcomed Bristol Bears to StoneX stadium for what would be a terrifying clash. The wolfpack kicked off, straight into the arms of Ruahei Demant, who began Bristol’s dominant opening performance. Millie David rewarded Bristol for their efforts with a try in the 4th minute, shortly after Evie Gallagher was denied a chance. The Bears quadrupled their lead by the 32nd minute, still keeping Saracens out of their 22’. The wolfpack was not to be written off, though, as Kelsey Clifford began their response with two tries just before half time. The comeback continued from there as Saracens scored three more tries, which Bristol levelled in the 76th minute, only to be passed by Zoe Harrison’s penalty goal in the 78th minute, making the score 36-33 to Saracens.

Bristol Bears’ Keira Bevan had a strong week, scoring 13 points from 1 try and 4 conversions, making her the top scorer of the round. Alex Callander from Harlequins won 3 turnovers and made 9 defensive ruck entries in the latest round, earning her a spot in the team of the week.

For the full rundown, head over to the Stats Hub where you’ll find up-to-date player and club statistics and rankings!

Other key performances included:

 

• May Campbell (Saracens) scored 2 tries in the latest round (joint 1st) and made 13 defensive ruck entries (3rd).

• Lleucu George (Gloucester-Hartpury) provided 2 try assists (1st) and kicked 5 successful goals (joint 1st) in the latest round.

• Aoife Wafer (Harlequins) led the round with 7 dominant contacts (joint 1st) and 35 post-contact metres (1st).

• Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears) recorded 7 dominant contacts (joint 1st) and 129 metres of carry distance (3rd) in the latest round.

• Georgie Perris-Redding (Sale Sharks) made 28 tackles (1st) and won 2 turnovers (joint 2nd).

 

Team of the Week, as per Oval Insights:

 

• Kelsey Clifford (Saracens)
• Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks)
• Sisilia Tuipulotu (Gloucester Hartpury)
• Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (Harlequins)
• Christiana Balogun (Bristol Bears)
• Georgie Perris-Redding (Sale Sharks)
• Charlotte Fray (Sale Sharks)
• Alex Callender (Harlequins)
• Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears)
• Ruahei Demant (Bristol Bears)
• Celia Quansah (Trailfinders Women)
• Tatyana Heard (Gloucester Hartpury)
• Emma Orr (Bristol Bears)
• Asia Hogan-Rochester (Sale Sharks)
• Nel Metcalfe (Gloucester Hartpury)

 

To read the Oval Insights Review of Round 11, click here.