Chiefs' Women suffer opening day defeat

They concede too many penalties

Exeter Chiefs women’s welcomed Gloucester-Hartpury in the first Allianz premier 15s match of the season.

After early Chiefs' pressure, Gloucester broke away. Following good line-out possession, Sophie Bridger scored the first try, with Emma Sing converting.

But Chiefs almost responded instantly, with a good rolling maul stopped close to the line.

After 12 minutes, Chiefs collapsed a scrum for a Gloucester penalty after, with Sing bringing the score to 0-10.

The Chiefs built some pressure after another strong maul but kept being pushed back until Ebony Jefferies saw space and ran through tackles to get the home side's first try of the game.

Chiefs tried to equalise the game but unfortunately a Gloucester try from Mo Hunt extended their lead after she pounced on a loose ball.

The visitors went into the break with a 12-point lead.

The second half started evenly, which a mixture of good plays and poor mistakes from both teams. But Gloucester extended their lead, when their dominant scrum provided a good ball for Rachel Lund to cross for a try.

More pain came for the Chiefs women as they conceded a penalty for not rolling away which Sing slotted away.

Despite being down by 20 points, the indefatigable Chiefs dug deep to produce a strong rolling maul, with the ball finding its way to Katie Buchanan for an unconverted try. 10-25

In the last play of the game, following a line out and maul that Gloucester couldn’t stop, Chiefs' replacement Cliodhna Moloney crossed over from close range, with the try converted by Liv McGoverne. 

In what was an even game, Chiefs should feel disappointed as they conceded too many penalties.

Final score: Exeter 17 Gloucester 25

Attendance: 1,165