Saracens clinch Allianz Cup defeating Bristol 31-17 in final

Bristol Bears 17-31 Saracens, Shaftesbury Park

Saracens came up with a strong second half performance as they sealed a 31-17 victory over Bristol Bears in the final of the Allianz Cup at Shaftesbury Park.

Saracens looked threatening early through Bryony Cleall but it was Bristol, who opened their account first when Deborah Wills collected a looping pass to touchdown. Wills once again showed great skill as she added a second around the half hour mark to ensure the home side raced to a 12 point lead.

Saracens needed a response and it came with Akina Gondwe securing a crucial turnover for her side and eventually went over the line to ensure the visitors trailed by 7-12 at the end of the opening half.

The visitors showed better response early in the second half when Lotte Clapp powered her way over and their third try came through Bryony Field, who dived over at the back of a maul.

The scores were once again levelled when Ella Lovibond ran wide to crossover as Saracens continued to dominate in the final quarter with further tries from Bryony Cleall and May Campbell as they sealed the title.

This was also Saracens first title victory in the Allianz Cup after they were defeated by Exeter Chiefs in the final of the last season.

Team line up:

Bristol: Lovibond; Bonner, Webb, Murray, Wills; Skuse, Burgess (capt); Pam, Sprague, Marston-Mulhearn, Cunningham, Burns, Nigrelli, Molloy, Marston-Mulhearn.

Reserves: Jaques, Bird, Beet, Balogun, Herring, Caux, Lewis, White.

Saracens: Jo-Linkins; Alejandro, Wardle, McKenna, Clapp (co capt); MacDougall, Sellors; Gondwe, Field, Tremelling, Green, Taylor, Campbell (co capt), Kasolo, Cleall.

Reserves: Haynes, Flanagan, Lawford-Wilby, Tansley, Moore, Wyrwas, Williams, Biggs.