Bristol Bears pull off great escape

There were 14 Welsh internationals in the two starting XVs, and a further four on the benches, but it was those in the Bears ranks who had the last laugh when Rowina Marston claimed the driving line-out in the 77^th minute that edged the visitors into the lead after the game seemed set to end as a 17-17 draw. 

Georgia Evans scored twice in in seven minutes as Saracens built up a 41 points first half lead at DMP Durham Sharks. The Londoners went on to score 13 tries in their 77-5 triumph to make it back-to-back bonus-point wins after their round one triumph over Wasps.  

Worcester Warriors gave reigning champions Harlequins a thorough test at Sixways, where they scored five tries in a 66-31 defeat. The home side stayed in touch throughout a frantic first-half and were only four points adrift at the break at 21-17. 

Former Wales captain Carys Phillips bagged one of the Warriors’ first half tries, while Beth Dainton crossed for the Quins. Four tries without reply at the start of the second half opened up a 30 point lead for the visitors. 

The Warriors battled back to score two more tries, with the last one going to Welsh international Ffion Lewis. 

Wasps went to Loughborough and beat the Lightning 29-0, while Exeter Chiefs took out their frustration after their opening day defeat at Bristol on Sale Sharks. They scored eight tries in a 54-0 win in a game that saw the Sharks lose Teleri Wyn Davies with an injury after only nine minutes.