The Front Row Union Sport - Club Women: Saracens 32 Exeter Chiefs 19 Premier 15 Women

Our London visit was the opportunity to photograph Saracens Women host Exeter chiefs women in a ‘Allianz Premier 15s’ league game at the StoneX Stadium in North London. I’m indebted to Julie Mullings, a London based sports photographer for collecting me and depositing me at ‘The Tube’ and for her company at the game.

Report and images by Bob Given Photography

I’ve covered Ulster Women and Ireland Women, but the intensity of the game surprised me.

Exeter took the lead early on, when Brooke Bradley found a gap and scored under Saracens posts. Gabby Cantorna converted to given Exeter a 7-0 lead. Saracens replied quickly, moving the ball sharply out to the right, allowing Chantelle Miell in at the corner. Zoe Harrison‘s touchline conversion leveled the scores at 7-7.

Some familiar faces as Saracens Women Defeat Exeter Chiefs Women 32-19 in a Allianz Premier 15 League Game

Following a series of mauls and rucks Poppy Cleall scored, converted by Harrison, to give Saracens the lead 14-7, midway through the half. After further pressure, Exeter conceded a penalty in front of their posts, duly converted by Harrison, to increase Saracens lead to 17-7.

Saracens aggression continued to cause Exeter problems and Hannah Bottman scored an unconverted try, after some neat handling by the Saracens backs, to give Saracens a 22-7 lead at halftime.

Former Ulster player Poppy Cleall goes over for a try as Saracens Women Defeat Exeter Chiefs Women 32-19 in a Allianz Premier 15 League Game

Saracens continued to press after the break and it was no surprise that Cleall bulldozed over for the bonus point try, converted by Harrison to increase the lead to 29-7. Exeter hit back with an unconverted try by Ebony Jeffries to reduce Saracens lead to 29-12.

Play continued between the 22s, before Saracens forced a penalty, converted by Harrison to move the score to 32-12. Exeter continued to move the ball around and were rewarded with a Flo Robinson try, converted by Cantorna, to leave the final score 32-19 in Saracens favour.