A day to remember for May Campbell who scores in her 100th Saracens appearance
May Campbell became only the sixth woman to record 100 appearances for Saracens as the defending champions leapfrogged Worcester after defeating them 64-20.
Following defeat to Exeter at Sandy Park, the hooker scored one of 10 tries as Saracens returned to their formidable form in round eight of the Premier 15s.
Kelsey Cifford, making her 50th appearance for the club, opened the scoring after just two minutes. First half tries would also come from Coreen Grant and a double for Louise McMillan.
May ensured the north London side started the second half as they did the first with further tries coming from Leanne Infante, Jess Breach, Grace Moore, Sydney Gregson and Poppy Cleall.
Worcester did what few clubs can do and left the StoneX with a point. Paige Farries scored twice as Scotland international Lana Skeldon and Charlotte Wright Haley ensured the Warriors would at least get a four try bonus point.
May, a former England U20, has been a stalwart of the Saracens pack ever since she made her debut for the team back in 2020 and took today’s score very much in her stride.
“Obviously it’s great to get across the whitewash but it’s always a team performance that leads up to it,” said Saracens’ latest centurion.
“I think our offloading game today was really good and we were able to control them and the momentum swings better than we have previously done. So yeah, it was a good occasion today, I thoroughly enjoyed it,” she added.
Over the years, May has built up a reputation of being a dependable workhorse, something that has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff and her teammates.
Alex Austerberry, director of rugby, said: “She is a good person who brings out the best in others around, those people are invaluable particularly what she’s brought over 100 games in terms of effort, energy and intent.”
May has built a great relationship with Austerberry, citing it as one of the reasons she has had such long term success at the club.
She said: “I’ve been really lucky to play here as much as I have done and I worked with Alex for a number of years previously going through the divisional pathways, U15s and U18s, then when I was at University I had a lot of Individual Development Plan sessions with him.”
“He definitely likes to challenge the squad, but also I think individually he knows how to challenge me but then get the best out of me, especially with bringing in Juan ‘Chipi’ Figallo last season on the forward side.
“I think has been instrumental in terms of the club, my game but also the culture and that has elevated it more so these past two seasons. I don’t think I could enjoy it more,” May added.
Marlie Packer, who joined Saracens back in 2017, emphasised how important Campbell has been to Saracens’ continued success.
The 2014 World Cup winning flanker said: “She’s such a character off the field and she brings so much to the team as well, that’s what you need. You need those good club players that week in week out they go to work during the day, but they turn up for training and they are fully focused on what they do.
“I love her to bits. For her to get a hundred caps for Saracens is phenomenal and just shows the dedication she puts into it,” Packer added.
Reflecting on their season so far, Campbell was quick to point out that Saracens can’t rely on simply being the defending champions.
“The league has got better, so we have to get better as well and we can’t stay stagnant. Whereas if we had the performances that we had maybe last year we could maybe get away with it.
“We have to keep pushing ourselves as other teams are and it’s great because that’s the only way we’re going to get better and for it to get better across the entire country, not just Sarries,” May added.
While May’s only international experience came at U20 level, Austerberry feels that her best days are still to come.
He said: “She keeps improving keeps driving up standards and it is a milestone, but I hope it’s not the culmination of her career because I think there’s a lot more to come”.
Read next: Warriors Women keep the ball in play with 10-year funding partnership
