Rogers shines as Chiefs dominate Trailfinders

A four-try haul from powerhouse prop Hope Rogers propelled Exeter Chiefs Women to a commanding 41-22 victory over Ealing Trailfinders at the Trailfinders Sports Ground. The win maintains the Chiefs’ unbeaten run in the PWR and showcased their clinical edge in the set piece.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing from the start, however. Trailfinders caught the Chiefs napping in the second minute, with flanker Grace White crossing the line after a crisp lineout move. Chiefs quickly found their rhythm, asserting dominance in the scrum and lineout.

A penalty at scrum-time gifted Chiefs field position, and a trademark Tessier kick to touch set the platform for hooker Emily Tuttosi’s first lineout of the season. After Dorothy Wall’s secure take and a compact maul, it was Rogers who muscled over for her first score of the afternoon.

Trailfinders didn’t roll over. A penalty gave them their own shot at the lineout drive, and hooker Kat Evans struck back to edge the home side ahead, 10-5. But this was the Rogers show. Two more clinical lineout moves put the prop over the line for a hat-trick, her tally equalling the number of games she’s played this season.

Sabrina Poulin then added a touch of flair, slicing through the defence for the bonus-point try just before half-time. Chiefs headed into the break with a comfortable 22-10 lead.

The second half began with a wobble. A collision between Rachel Johnson and Alivia Leatherman saw Johnson sent to the bin, and Trailfinders capitalised immediately. Evans grabbed her second try from another well-executed maul, cutting the deficit to five points.

But Chiefs weathered the storm. Rogers bulldozed over for her fourth try after a dynamic run from DaLeaka Menin set the platform. Tuttosi then got in on the action, dotting down from another lineout drive, much to the delight of her teammates.

Fly-half Liv McGoverne added a touch of class late on, breaking the line before feeding Katie Buchanan for a well-worked try. Although Trailfinders snatched a consolation score in the dying moments through Annabel Meta, it was too little, too late.

With a final score of 41-22, Exeter Chiefs left London with five points and a reminder to the league: when their pack gets going, there’s no stopping them.

Without a doubt, Hope Rogers was the star of the match. Four tries from the front row is a rarity and a testament to her power and precision in tight spaces.

The Chiefs return to Sandy Park next weekend to face Bristol Bears, looking to extend their unbeaten streak.