It was a tense old time in the sun at Sandy Park with a much-improved Harlequins Women’s team showcasing their much-improved team. In the end, both sides had to settle for a draw and three points each this 12^th round league game.

Chiefs began brightly with prop Hope Rogers nearly claiming an early interception and some serious tackles going in to prevent Quins from making any territory gains. Katie Buchanan was also looking lively down the wing and Poppy Leitch was an offload machine.

However, Quins were first to score with full-back Ellie Kildunne with ball in hand.

The second half ramped up the intensity with Chiefs having to defend their try-line for much of the time with Kildunne looking like a constant threat.

Quins had more of the possession in the dying minutes, but Chiefs were in a stubborn defensive mode. While Quins were patient in recycling the ball, Chiefs were more patient in their defence to keep them out despite some tired bodies on the field.

As the clock ticked into injury time, Quins were awarded a kickable penalty for Chiefs playing the ball on the floor. Centre Lagi Tuima stepped up for the penalty but missed it and the crowd breathed a sigh of relief.

There were seven minutes of injury time and all of them quite stressful, especially when Claudia MacDonald went down on the far side of the pitch. The referee blew his whistle for full time and minutes later, the England winger got to her feet. Two points for each team.

Final score: Exeter Chiefs Women 19, Harlequins 19.

For the full match report, click here.