Gloucester Hartpury maintained their dominant form in the Premier 15s, securing a commanding 45-26 win over Loughborough Lightning at Kingsholm, marking their eighth successive victory. The match showcased their offensive prowess, with winger Nel Metcalfe scoring a hat-trick of tries in the first half, complemented by solid conversions and team efforts that firmly established The Circus at the top of the table.
The game opened with quick attacking rugby, as Hannah Dallavalle’s precision passing set Metcalfe on her way to the first try within seven minutes. Loughborough responded promptly through power runner Rachel Ehrecke, leveling the score. Yet Hartpury’s fluid backline movement gave them the edge heading into halftime with a 19-7 lead.
Post-break, Gloucester Hartpury continued to assert control through effective set-pieces and mauls, with tries from Kelsey Jones and Georgia Brock extending the lead. Despite Loughborough’s attempts to rally, scores from Pip Hendy and Zoe Stratford sealed the fixture comfortably for the hosts. The win keeps Hartpury five points clear atop the Premier 15s as they prepare for their upcoming match against Sale.
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Sale FC 1861 edged Cheltenham Tigers 22-15 in a competitive Women’s Championship North 1 showdown, maintaining their slender lead in the league standings with five matches left. Meanwhile, Hartpury closed in on the top three in the Championship by overcoming Bedford Blues 18-13, with Harry Short scoring twice to secure the victory and preserve Hartpury’s unbeaten home record.
In National 2 West, Cinderford achieved a thrilling 41-24 win over third-placed Barnstaple. After an early deficit, Cinderford clawed back through individual brilliance and team coordination, eventually pulling away in the second half with multiple converted tries, ensuring a significant home victory.
Regional leagues saw a mix of results: Newent fought off a late fightback from Bournville to triumph 39-38 in Regional 1 Midlands, while Lydney fell 40-16 to Devonport Services in Regional 1 South West. Matson suffered a narrow 20-12 loss at Sidmouth, and Drybrook was heavily beaten by Bromsgrove, 69-12.
In lower-tier competitions, Old Centralians edged Witney 31-28 in Regional 2 Severn, and Fairford secured a 26-20 win over Royal Wootton Bassett III in Counties 2 Dorset & Wilts North. Cinderford United’s Will Baldwin starred with five tries as his team routed Bream 38-19 in Counties 2 Gloucestershire North.
Several teams progressed in the RFU Community Cup tournaments. Smiths Rugby dominated Barkers Butts 61-0 in the Counties 2 Championship, while Tewkesbury comfortably defeated Supermarine 49-10 in the Counties 2 South Plate. Coney Hill advanced in the Counties 3 Championship with a 45-22 victory over Woodrush, and Hucclecote reached the quarter-finals following a 64-17 win at North Bristol.
Walkovers influenced some fixtures; Gordon League conceded their Counties 1 South Plate game to Midsomer Norton, Stroud received a walkover against St Bernadettes Old Boys, and Cheltenham Saracens advanced in Counties 3 & Below Central Plate as Old Cryptians forfeited.