SARACENS dominated their semi-final match-up against Wasps, winning convincingly as they look to defend their Premier 15s title in two weeks' time at Franklins Gardens. The match started unfortunately for Wasps with an injury to Abby Dow and a yellow card for Claudia MacDonald, leaving them with 14 players within the first 15 minutes.
Saracens took advantage with Jodie Rettie making a clean break from the Wasps 22 and, with a conversion from youngster Zoe Harrison, grabbed a 7-0 lead with the first try of the day. Tensions rose as the two captains tussled neck and neck, literally, with Saracens skipper Lotte Clapp taking down Wasps' Kate Alder in a high tackle. Surprisingly, no yellow card followed.
A good break from Sarah McKenna saw her pass out to Clapp, Saracens crossing for a second try, but Harrison missed the conversion.
Wasps, undeterred, pushed forward, but Saracens' defence remained unbreached. However, two penalties from Lizzie Goulden in the last few minutes put Wasps' first points on the board and set the half-time score at 12-6.
From the kick-off in the second half, Saracens reasserted their dominance and their relentless drives and ability to keep the ball tight in the pack saw a powerful push to the posts, allowing Poppy Cleall to cross the whitewash. Saracens' pressure affected Wasps' composure, causing them to be careless in possession and their front row began to struggle in the scrums and in close contact.
The champions were technically superior and their strength enabled them to score another try from player of the match Hannah Botterman. The 19-year-old showed experience beyond her years and continued to play through tight situations as Saracens' physicality grew stronger.
Another dominant driving maul by the forwards pushed second row Rosie Galligan to score Saracens' fifth try and Harrison successfully added the points from the conversion. Wasps continued to fight doggedly, with Sarries matching them at a fivemetre scrum.
However, a try from Louise Dodd highlighted Wasps' pride in playing for their shirt and a successful conversion helped close the score to 31-13 as the final whistle blew.
The north Londoners now look forward to the final and will meet the winners of the semi-final between Harlequins and Loughborough Lightning, who play on Sunday.
TEAMS
SARACENS WOMEN: McKenna, Gregson, Casey, Cattell, Clapp, Harrison, Gulliver, Perry, Campbell, Botterman, Green, Galligan, Rettie, Siczowa, Cleall
Replacements: Duffy, Layola, Robinson, Searcy, Swords, Vistisen, Lingham
WASPS: Waterman, Dow, Rowland, Alder, Derk, Goulden, Macdonald, Purdy, Cokayne, West, Maisey, Baltruweit, Moloney, Molloy, Mitchelson
Replacements: Ironton, Stock, Allen, Crake, Roberts, Dodd, Mackinder
Star player Hannah Botterman – Saracens
