The No 8 powered over from a close range maul to give the record crowd at Shaftesbury Park something to shout about. Lillicrap was one of seven Welsh internationals in the Bears starting XV who contributed to the six-try bonus-point win.
She said, “The girls put in a fantastic shift to start our season on a high. We all worked hard for each other and stuck to what we’ve been working on which is really pleasing. Exeter are a really good outfit and put us under pressure but we didn’t panic. It was amazing to see a record crowd at Shaftesbury Park, they gave us a real lift and I don’t think they would have been disappointed with the rugby on show. Hopefully they will keep coming this season, I think we can build something special.”
Another Welsh No 8, Sioned Harries, put the seal on Worcester Warriors 29-24 victory at Sale Sharks as she added to her mounting tally in the top-flight with the score that secured the points. Having burst into a 12 point lead early in the game, the Warriors found themselves two points down at the break as the home side reacted.
Former Wales skipper Carys Phillips then made the bust that allowed Alycia Washington to cross for the score that edged Warriors back in front. Harries then muscled over for the bonus-point try before Sale hit back at the death.
Georgia Evans helped Saracens get back to winning ways as they avenged their London derby defeat to Wasps with a 26-20 away win. Beaten by Harlequins in the Premier15s final in May, Saracens are determined to regain their crown this season and Evans was in the pack that eventually got on top in a close contest.
All out gas ⛽️#Premier15s @Glos_PuryWRFC pic.twitter.com/24jVNhdydD
— Allianz Premier 15s (@Premier15s) September 4, 2021
Gloucester-Hartpury had it all their own way at home against DMP Durham Sharks. They led 45-0 at half-time and eventually won 84-0 in a one-sided affair with six Welsh caps in the home side’s starting XV.
Reigning champions Harlequins opened the defence of their title with a 50-15 home win over Loughborough Lightning.
