Women’s Premier League Rugby: Gloucester-Hartpury top the table after 22-17 win over Saracens

Unbeaten Gloucester-Hartpury came from behind to snatch a dramatic win over Saracens and return to the top of the Women’s Super League Rugby table.

Alex Matthews scored a hat-trick, while the number eight’s third attempt in the closing stages earned an additional point for the defending champions at the Stone Ex Stadium.

Saracens were a man down for the final seven minutes after Marley Packer was shown off for an intentional tackle.

With four games to go in the league season, Gloucester’s win moved them four points clear of second-placed Saracens – who had played a game more – and guaranteed them home advantage in the semi-finals at the end of the season.

The hosts took a 14-12 lead into the second half after tries from Liv Ups and Emma Hardy, but could only add to a Zoe Harrison penalty after the break despite playing with a strong breeze at their backs.

Apps raced under the posts early, but the scrum-half was replaced at half-time after a cut to the head.

Hardie finished off a brilliant Surreys move that started in their own half to put them ahead once again, after Matthews had bagged her first hat-trick.

Her second attempt was a repeat of the first, but her team fell behind after Lleucu George missed her attempt to convert the kick, the ball being blown off the kicker’s point as the shot clock expired.

Hannah Dallavalle’s effort near the corner after 64 minutes put Gloucester ahead for the first time, before Zoe Harrison’s penalty leveled the game at 17-17.

But Packer’s mistake, which she conceded immediately, put Saracens under increasing pressure and Matthews cut in from close range for the try that secured a bonus point for the three-time champions.

However, Saracens were not finished, and were threatening the try line when Gloucester-Hartpury stole a throw into their own 22 with 80 minutes on the clock.