Sing on target as champions kick off defence in fine style

By SAM BYTHEWAY

Gloucester-Hartpury…..52pts

Tries: Brock 4, Taylor 10, Perry 15, Beckett 19, Venner 26, 60, Sing 40, N Jones 47

Conversions: Sing 4, 10, 15, 19, 26, 47

Leicester Tigers …………. 14pts

Tries: Feury 71, M Jones 74

Conversions: M Jones 71, 74

GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY started their title defence with a comprehensive victory over PWR newcomers Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm.

Gloucester's full-back Emma Sing spoke of the importance of starting the season well, saying, “It was all about putting out the best performance we could, we know we've got things to improve on.

“Having that extra week prep has helped us quite a lot as a team, making sure we were all on the same page heading into the game.”

On form: Sarah Beckett celebrates her try

It was the best possible start for Sean Lynn's side when flanker Georgia Brock scored the games opening try inside the opening five minutes before Kelly Taylor scored a second on the 10 minute mark, with Sing slotting both conversions.

The free flowing nature of the Gloucester attack kept coming and try three and four soon came, first through El Perry from close range and then Sarah Beckett picked a barnstorming line to break through the line and score the bonus point try inside the 20-minute mark.

Last year's champions continued to impress, causing Leicester defensive issues at every opportunity and they crossed for a fifth try on the half-hour mark with a delightful pass from Tatyana Head putting Mia Venner in the corner.

Tigers' defence held strong for a 15-minute period towards the end of the opening period but the excellent Sing added to her five conversions to score Gloucester's sixth try bang on half-time.

Power play: El Perry scores the third try for Gloucester Hartpury and, above, Mia Venner scores their eighth

PICTURES: Getty Images

Both sides rang the changes at half-time, with three of the hosts Red Roses contingent leaving the field at the break.

The changes slightly stunted both sides momentum, but Gloucester still managed to cross for a seventh score, with Neve Jones finishing off a sensational break from the rampaging Perry.

More changes from both sides, including the introduction of Lucy Nye and Sarah Nicholas to the Tigers half-back positions pulled the visitors into the game for the first time.

Despite this, the hosts crossed the try-line next with Mia Venner crossing down the right wing after some more silky hands from the Gloucester back-line.

With 15 minutes to go, Gloucester's co-captain Zoe Aldcroft left the field less than 10 minutes after coming on, leaving her side down to 14 for the final stages.

This seemed to spark Leicester into life, with the Tigers flicking a switch and crossing for two well deserved tries.

First USA full-back Tess Feury crossed the line before a quick-tap penalty from Meg Jones added a second score to round of the activity.