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Gloucester-Hartpury started their bid for a third straight Premiership Women’s Rugby title with an impressive 57-29 victory over Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors took a surprise lead when lock Charlotte Fray broke clear to score the opening try.
Despite a response through Wales’ Gwennan Hopkins, Tigers retook the lead when prop Zainab Alema powered over for their second try.
Amy Dale’s try then levelled the game before Scotland’s Evie Wills grabbed Leicester’s third.
With the game in the balance, full-back Emma Sing scored two quick tries – one a brilliant chip and chase from her own half – to wrestle back the momentum for the hosts, before hooker Dale scored her second right before half-time.
Elin Beaver’s try kept her side believing but the champions, without a large contingent who are playing for England at WXV, scored two tries through wing Charlotte Woodman and one by debutant Rachel Lund before Beaver touched down her second for a consolation score.
The PWR campaign kicked off on Saturday with victories for three of last season’s play-off sides – Bristol Bears, Saracens and Exeter Chiefs.
Beaten finalists Bristol enjoyed a comfortable 46-19 win at Loughborough Lightning, but Saracens and Exeter had to battle hard to claim the points.
Three-time champions Sarries edged to a 38-29 win at home to London rivals Ealing Trailfinders, while the Chiefs kicked a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time to earn an 8-7 victory at Harlequins.
Gloucester-Hartpury, who have won the title for the past two seasons, play their opening game at home to Leicester Tigers on Sunday.
Liv McGoverne sealed victory for Exeter with the final kick of the game.
Quins had led since the 13th minute, through a converted Nicole Wythe try, but Taz Bricknell’s 67th-minute effort narrowed their lead to 7-5 and when they were penalised at the scrum deep into stoppage time, McGoverne stepped up to provide the grandstand finish.
