Leicester Tigers made it three wins in three games at the start of the Women’s Championship North season by beating Worcester RFC 58-7 on Sunday.
There were seven tries in the first half as Tigers reached the break 43-0 in front, and three more in the final quarter to back-up the wins over defending champions Cheltenham last week and at Bishop Auckland in the season-opener.
Worcester, who had fought back to win 50-36 victory at Harrogate in Round 2, were 19 points down in the first quarter after Georgia Westwood opened the scoring, followed by a second from Ali Gale from a close-in tap penalty, both converted by Katie Childs.
Molly Draycott, who ended up with a hat-trick, grabbed a first with a break from halfway and No8 Becky Noon dotted down for the bonus point on 25 minutes after the scrum had provided clean ball.
Childs converted that one and the next, scored by Roisin McBrien from a breakaway after Tigers had been forced back to take the score to 33-0.
Play across the backline set up Draycott’s second and Louisa Burgham ran in the final points of the first half in the left-hand corner.
Worcester enjoyed more possession and opportunities in the second half and were rewarded with a try from No8 Charlotte Criddle, converted by centre Mai Butler. But Tigers immediately fought back with Childs scoring a birthday try on the right as the visitors’ attack outnumbered a stretched defence.
After a carry by Ella-Mae Fereday brought a penalty close-in, Draycott darted over for her treble and the game closed with debutant Bryany Chalk scoring on the right after a break by McBrien.
Commentary
THREE IN A ROW
Worcester 7-58 Leicester Tigers in Round 3. Second-half tries from Childs, Draycott to complete a hat-trick and Chalk seal the win.
HALF-TIME
Worcester 0-43 Leicester Tigers. Seven tries in the first half for the visitors. Scores by Westwood, Gale, Draycott and a bonus-point score from Noon followed by more from McBrien, Draycott again and Burgham.
KICK-OFF
Worcester will get the game started in Round 3 of the Women's Championship North 1 season.