Trailfinders make a big statement
Trailfinders women have had a promising start to this season and achieved their first statement victory of the season with a 64-22 thrashing of Sale Sharks. They scored 10 tries and were the dominant side from start to finish. Both of these teams have undergone significant roster reconstruction since last season and are looking to push up the table this time around. Trailfinders already had a stronger squad, so had a head start, and maintained their dominance over the Sharks. Sale are clearly a stronger team now, but they still have a ways to go to fulfill their potential.
There are more teams in the playoff hunt this season
Last season, the teams that would make up the top 4 were already in place going into the final weekend of the season and the only jeopardy surrounded who would host the semi-finals. This time around, things look a lot more even - not including the top 2. Harlequins and Bristol, who made the top 4 last season, have both shown signs of regression whereas their challengers have taken steps forward. Exeter and Loughborough played out a thrilling 33-33 draw that underlined once again how much better Lightning are right now.
The top 2 appear to be separating
Having said that the league is closer than ever, it should also be acknowledged that there are 2 clear front-runners. Gloucester-Hartpury have clearly been the best in the league having beaten Saracens, Exeter and Harlequins already this season. Harlequins pushed them close, but the depth that the 3-time defending Champions possess was the ultimate difference between the 2 teams. Saracens, meanwhile, have recovered from a bruising round 1 defeat to Gloucester-Hartpury to breeze past Harlequins and Bristol.
Scores
Sale Sharks 22 - 64 Trailfinders Women
Harlequins 26 - 33 Gloucester-Hartpury
Loughborough Lightning 33 - 33 Exeter Chiefs
Bristol Bears 12 - 33 Saracens
Add comment
Comments