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Report: Sarries on a roll following 62-7 victory over Sale Sharks

March 4, 2023

Saracens extended their winning run to seven with a comfortable 62-7  win over Sale Sharks at the StoneX Stadium.

Four tries from Jess Breach, a hat-trick from Poppy Cleall and a brace from Marlie Packer capped off a fine performance that had the result wrapped up by half time.

Sale remain seventh after a humbling trip to North London while Saracens keep the pressure on Exeter and Gloucester for a home semi-final spot.

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In a swashbuckling start Saracens made their intentions clear, Packer picking up an early brace before the ten minutes mark had been reached. Saracens released their notorious rolling maul to help the Red Rose over.

A brief diversion from the script saw some resistence from Sale as Mhairi Grieve dotted down following a slick move from the back line. The Sharks managed to maintain some good pressure inside the 22, only to be sliced open with a brilliant set play from the home side.

Lotte Clapp ran a brilliant dummy line as Saracens spread the ball wide, giving Breach the opportunity to run in uncontested from 40 metres.

Two further tries from Cleall added the gloss for Saracens who comfortably led 38-7 at half time. Sale seriously needed to change something if they were to end their run of three losses on the bounce at the StoneX.

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Unfortunately for the away side, the second period started with more of the same. Jodie Rettie dove over at the back of a typical Saracens driving maul.

A further two tries from Breach completed her excellent hat-trick as Saracens continued to dominate proceedings. The fullback will no doubt be hoping to continue this form into England camp with immense  competition for places in the back three.

The hosts’ forwards showed phenomenal power in the carry, particularly Red Roses Packer and Cleall who constantly threatened the game line.

In a final flourish a delicate cross-field kick from fly-half Flo Williams saw Breach collect in the air and take the ball over the line for her fourth try of the day, completing the rout for Saracens.

Author

  • Paddy Knowles

    Football writer and occasional dipper of toes into other sports. Usually writing articles that are less funny than hoped with the odd pseudo-intellectual deconstruction of modern day football. Charlton Athletic Football Club fan, for my sins.