WASPS moved above Loughborough Lightning in the Premier 15s standings by recording a three-try victory at Twyford Avenue.
Both clubs are leading the charge to keep pace with Harlequins and Saracens, unbeaten through Round 7 of the competition, and it was Wasps who took charge early on when two of their England contingent combined.
Centre Amy Wilson-Hardy spotted a three-ontwo down the blindside to allow Wasps to send Abby Dow tearing towards the try-line until Helena Rowland produced a last-ditch cover tackle. And while this saved a certain score, Dow's break did create the opening for England teammate Harriet Millar-Mills to be driven over.
Claire Molloy was instrumental to Wasps' defensive efforts as Lightning looked to press for a response.
After the Ireland flanker won a turnover at the ruck Wasps almost had their second when Claudia Mac-Donald broke clear and released Meg Jones for a 40-metre score but the referee called back play for a forward pass by MacDonald.
Lightning came close to punishing this error by marching the ball to Wasps' own five-metre line only for Olivia Jones to knock-on just short of the try line.
Loughborough kept on knocking at the door and soon crossed for tries from Rhona Lloyd and Lark Davies tries to take a 10-7 lead into the interval.
Immediately after the restart, the impressive Dow turned provider again for Wasps to score with an offload to full-back Ellie Kildunne.
The wide channels were where Wasps proved to hold the edge and it was down Dow's left flank where they were able to force a penalty, which Rowena Burnfield scored from following a lineout to seal the win.
