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Saracens Women vs DMP Sharks: An 89-point whitewash for Sharks against full-force Sarries

January 7, 2023

Saracens Women defeated DMP Sharks 89-0 in what can only be described as a whitewash in the Allianz Premier 15s at a wet StoneX Stadium on 7 January.

The mighty Sarries line-up was packed with internationals and proved to be too powerful for bottom-placed DMP Sharks.

The Sarries front row saw Kelsey Clifford, May Campbell and Alex Ellis, with Fi McIntosh and Louise McMillan making up the second row.

In the back row, Irish international Grace Moore was joined by Red Roses Marlie Packer and Poppy Cleall.

Ella Wyrwas and Zoe Harrison started at halfback, with Holly Aitchison and Hannah Casey in the centres, with Lotte Clapp and Sarah McKenna joined by Jess Breach at the back.

Lotte Clapp dives across the try line. Photo: Matt Impey.

Holly Aitchison kicked off proceedings with a try two minutes into the match, followed by a Kelsey Clifford try in the seventh minute. Harrison provided the extras.

As the rain poured down, Sharks defended incredibly well against a mighty Sarries attack.

Shark’s defence fell apart when Poppy Cleall scored a lovely try in the 15th minute, with a perfect conversion by Harrison.

Sarries gained attacking momentum with May Campbell, Marlie Packer and Jess Breach scoring tries. While Harrison struggled to convert, Sarries were well ahead on the scoreboard with 41-0 before the half-time whistle.

Halftime saw Sarries’ Ella Wyras, Hannah Casey and Jess Breach being replaced for Leanne Infante, Sydney Gregson and Coreen Grant respectively.

Sharks replaced Jess Clabby for Josie Scrimgour.

Leanne Infante makes a pass. Photo: Matt Impey.

The second started well for Saracens with tries by Campbell and Lottie Clapp in the 41st and 45th, but Harrison struggled to convert.

Harrison was finally able to find the posts in the 50th minute after Marlie Packer’s try taking the score to 58- 0.

As the rain continued to fall, the Sharks struggled to find any scoring opportunities but made some commendable defensive plays.

But this once again lost momentum after tries from half-time replacement Coreen Grant and Poppy Cleal.

Sydney Gregson and Louise McMillan furthered the score, with Harrison’s first conversion attempt falling short, but successfully converting the second to set the score 82-0.

Marlie Packer sealed the deal with a fantastic final run over the try line to end the proceedings 89-0.

DMP Sharks remain pointless in the premiership, while Saracens move to fifth.

Author

  • Reuven Blignault

    Reuven is a versatile South African multimedia sports journalist with a passion for all things rugby, cricket, tennis and Motorsport. He has a number of years of experience covering these sports in the African media landscape, and now seeks to expand his career internationally.