Eight tries for winners in front of 8,000 fans
Saracens just needed three ingredients to play Trailfinders off the pitch and win their first Premiership Women’s Rugby title in four years: clinical attack, brick-wall defence and an immense kicking game. Not only did they execute their game plan but the experience of being in their sixth final in nine seasons was devastatingly clear, despite having to play with 14 players for 20 minutes.
The first-time finalists Trailfinders had hopes of causing a huge upset after knocking out the three-time defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury in their semi-final. But wasted chances meant that even Meg Jones’ solid performance was not enough to inspire another shock. Instead Marlie Packer, who scored two tries and was sent to the sin bin, won her fourth PWR title to toast nine years at Saracens. In a poetic twist, she lifted the trophy as Sarries co-captain alongside Zoe Harrison at the venue she will be playing at next season, as she is making the switch to Harlequins.
Packer, Harrison and Olivia Apps had a great final to get Saracens over the line but Alysha Corrigan was a player doing a lot of work under the radar. She made some huge tackles, scored a try and made a break to set up Sydney Gregson’s score which put the nail in Trailfinders’ coffin in just the 33rd minute.
The Saracens party was clear from the off with chants of “Sarries” heard several streets over from the Stoop and remnants of a smoky smell lingered from the supporters’ black-and-red confetti cannons. Shades of green also littered the stands for those supporting Trailfinders but fans from across the league also wore their club colours for the league’s showpiece.
The 8,099 fans in west London were another statement of the growth of the game. The final was hosted at the Stoop for the first time in 10 years and a decade ago around 500 people were watching. That sort of crowd is much more fitting for this ferocious occasion.
Trailfinders said they had no fear heading into the final and that was on display early with Jones showing her sparkle, creating an incredible break to give them a jolt of momentum. Time and time again they pushed for the opening try but were thwarted by a hugely physical defence. That impenetrable wall was rewarded at the other end as the Sarries lock Julia Omokhuale powered over to break the deadlock. Packer’s two tries came next with Gregson adding another to take the lead to 26-0 at half-time.
An excellent finish from Jess Breach started the second 40 with Corrigan also dotting down. Trailfinders had consolation scores through Maya Montiel and Alana Borland but tries from Harrison and Breach sealed a dominant afternoon for the north London club.
This PWR season has been its most competitive yet but the final was not representative of that. It could be said that Trailfinders played their “final” against Gloucester two weeks ago but many had hoped for a much closer scoreline on Sunday. The club will assess and adjust for next season. But for now, it is Packer and Saracens who have the bragging rights as queens of London and the PWR.
