Mia Venner scored a hat-trick of tries as Premiership Women’s Rugby leaders Gloucester-Hartpury overturned a half-time deficit to clinch a 43-38 victory over Loughborough Lightning.
Venner crossed the line in the opening minute at Franklin’s Gardens before Lizzie Goulden added a second try to give Gloucester the early initiative.
But Loughborough responded as tries from Sadia Kabeya and Lilli Ives Campion, converted by Helena Rowland, turned the game in their favour.
Gloucester’s task was made more difficult when Venner and Goulden were sent to the sin before Bo Westcombe-Evans crossed to give Lightning a 21-12 half-time lead.
Lightning seemed to be in ascendancy when Fancy Bermudez and Carmela Morrall powered over the try-line in the second period to give them a 19-point cushion at 31-12.
However, Venner kick-started the fightback with her second try before Hannah Dallavalle and El Perry capitalised on quick handling to draw level.
Venner then notched her hat-trick from a driving maul to edge Gloucester back in front, only for Loughborough to nip in front when Alev Kelter crossed the line and Rowland booted over the extras.
But defending champions Gloucester had the final say when Tatyana Heard powered over in the closing moments, with Lleucu George successfully converting.
In Sunday’s other fixture Sale Sharks claimed a 25-7 home win over Bristol Bears.
Erica Jarrell-Searcy, Shona Campbell and Katie Childs ran over tries for Sale with Pamphinette Buisa the only player to cross the line for Bristol.
Menin stars as Chiefs breeze to win over Tigers
DaLeaka Menin scored two tries as Exeter Chiefs romped to a 43-0 victory away to struggling Leicester Tigers on Saturday.
The 30-year-old Canadian notched the first try of the game early on when she powered over after a line-out.
Maddie Feaunati, Flo Robinson and Katie Buchanan then all crossed as the Chiefs seized control of the contest at Welford Road.
Menin added her second of the game moments before half-time after a tap penalty with Gabby Cantorna kicking her third conversion to put Exeter 31-0 up at the break.
Leicester produced a much better showing after the interval and the Chiefs did not add to their tally until added time when Hope Rogers and Zoe Dare scored.
Exeter’s victory kept the pressure up on leaders Gloucester-Hartpury while winless Leicester remain bottom of the table.
Trailfinders edge past Quins
Abi Burton’s try three minutes from time clinched Trailfinders’ 21-17 victory over Harlequins at the Stoop on Friday.
The visitors had gone in front through Tanya Kalounivale, but Harlequins hit back through Connie Powell before half-time.
Nicole Wythe then nudged them in front following the restart, but Brooke Bradley scored quickly for Trailfinders who soon found themselves with a player advantage as Wythe was given a yellow card for a series of penalties.
The home side managed to regain the lead thanks to Beth Wilcock, but could not keep Burton out late on from close range and another Niamh Gallagher conversion followed with her perfect record on the night proving crucial.
Harlequins, who claimed a losing bonus point, have not won at home since late January and sit sixth in the PWR table, below Friday’s victors on points difference.
