Plain sailing for Chiefs women

This was the third encounter between Exeter Chiefs Women and their Sale Sharks counterparts this season.

Today's (Sunday February 11) game was played in front of a West Grandstand crowd enjoying some winter sun at Sandy Park as they turned out to watch their home team score 10 tries, including a hat-trick for winger Eilidh Sinclair.

Chiefs' dominance at scrum time and in the lineout wore down a Sale team that leaked multiple penalties and were punished with two yellow cards. This gifted Chiefs the lion’s share of possession and territory but also led to moments of individual tenacity that also made Sharks pay.

You need not look too much further for tenacity than winger Claudia MacDonald. Having had frustratingly little time on the ball at Bristol, she made up for it on home turf.

This game provided a win, a bonus-point, a hat-trick, some exceptional kicking, and great entertainment. More of the same in two weeks' time against Harlequins please!