Saracens ladies still undefeated

Saracens 22 Worcester 17

When Worcester travelled to the Allianz on Sunday to face the undefeated league leaders they would not have expected to be leaving feeling disappointed at only gaining a losing bonus point.

In a game with many mysterious decisions, three seemingly good tries from the visitors were disallowed, and in any other circumstance they could have been awarded a further score via a penalty try, brought back for the offence, despite Rhi Parker being in goal about to touch down?

C oach Kat Merchant must have been pleased with the performance of a team that due to injury and international commitments would not normally feature as the starting line-up, and one that performed significantly better than any previous game this season.

Saracens scored two tries in the first 16 minutes from line out play, but Worcester always appeared to be in the game. This was reinforced on 29 minutes when Bianca Blackburn ended a fluent passing move to reduce the deficit. The rest of the first half saw Worcester grow in stature, with three possible scores not given, so there were high expectations for taking the scalp of the season so far.

However, at the start of the second period, with the official’s back to the play, Sarries were awarded a try to stretch their lead, but visitors now clearly up for the challenge, hit back with a strong scrummage which lead Laura Keates making the score 17 -10. Megan Goddard superbly took the extras from wide out, game certainly on at 17 -12 with 30 minutes still to play.

It is often the case that luck deserts the underdogs and Sarries were awarded a further try which appeared to be knocked forward initially.

Worcester felt they had reduced the deficit further on 70 minutes, Ceri Large delayed a superb pass for Kelly Smith to run 20 meters and dive over the line, alas, no try given again. Many teams would have lost heart, but the visitors continued to apply pressure which was rewarded with a barnstorming try from Rochelle Clark in the final minute.