The Wales wing scored twice in the opening 15 minutes for Bristol Bears in the ninth round of the Allianz Premier15s, although her side went down 17-14 in the end at Loughborough Lightning.
The top of the table Bears headed to the Midlands hoping to extend their advantage and the Welsh flyer gave them the perfect start. She struck first in the fourth minute with a weaving run and sprint out of her own 22.
Behave, @joyce_jaz 😱
A Christmas cracker from a world class performer 🌎 #LOUvBRI | #BristolBearsWomen pic.twitter.com/HUGRR0LzrJ
— Bristol Bears Women (@BristolBearsW) December 18, 2021
Amber Reed added the extras and then Welsh back row dynamo Alisha Butchers paved the way for Joyce to sprint up the right touchline to score her second 10 minutes later. A second Reed conversion put the Bears into a 14 point lead.
But there were no more points from the title contenders as they lost three players to yellow cards and found it difficult to handle the power of the home pack. England hooker Lark Davies drove over for two tries and a penalty try from a collapsed driving maul earned victory for Loughborough in the 67th minute.
With three games called off due to COVID, the Bears were still able to hold onto their No1 spot despite the 17-14 defeat, picking up a losing bonus-point. They now lead Saracens by three points having played one more game.
Exeter Chiefs moved into third place thanks to their 88-0 over winless DMP Durham Sharks. The Chiefs plundered 14 tries and there were 20 points for Spanish international Patricia Garcia.
The games between Sale Sharks and Saracens and Worcester Warriors v Gloucester-Hartpury were both postponed.
Unstoppable! 😳
Slick work from @Alishabutchers1 and the finish from, well, you guessed it 🔥#LOUvBRI | #BristolBearsWomen pic.twitter.com/xdA20ERB8U
— Bristol Bears Women (@BristolBearsW) December 18, 2021
