Chiefs women gain bragging rights

Exeter Chiefs Women finished the PWR Up series with a second win – this time, with five tries at home against local rivals Bristol Bears.

The first try of the afternoon was scored in the first minute. Winger Katie Buchanan dotted down after Bristol Bears were enjoying possession in their own 22 but as the ball went loose, flanker Maisy Allen pounced on the opportunity in front of her. Lock Niamh Orchard passed to her fellow second-row Poppy Leitch, whose long pass released Buchanan for the score.

Bristol were the first to score in the second half when a restart kick from behind the try line did not go far enough and Bristol seized possession for No 8 Gabriella Nigrelli to go over the line after five minutes gone.

It seemed the chance to seal the win may have been lost when a Chiefs penalty kicked to touch saw the following lineout throw go straight into Bristol hands, but a short chip- kick from the opposition was collected by Niamh Orchard.

With all the action in Bristol’s 22 and Chiefs back in possession, the forwards kept pressing to create the space for Liv McGoverne to get her second try in a fortnight.

Just when you thought it was all game over as the clock ticked into injury time, McGoverne pounced again to make it five tries and a second win for this new crop of Chiefs players.