Campbell’s double hit puts Bears in the soup

By STEWART McCULLOUGH

Bristol Bears …………….24pts

Tries: David 35, 65; Skeldon 55, Reed 78

Conversions: Reed 35, Bevan 78

Saracens ………………….. 41pts

Tries: Linkins 20, Campbell 31, 49; Gregson 40, 69; Field 75

Conversions: MacDougall 31, 49, 69, 75

Penalty: Linkins 80

SARACENS director of rugby Alex Austerberry was delighted after his side’s six-try victory over last season’s PWR finalists Bristol Bears.

Two tries apiece from May Campbell and Sydney Gregson coupled with scores from Jemma-Jo Linkins and Bryony Field sealed a bonus-point win for the Londoners.

“To get five points is massive for us,” said Austerberry. “We invited pressure on ourselves with some silly penalties, but there are always things to work on. I’m really happy though – it was a tough battle and we kept in the fight throughout. We showed great character and hopefully we can bottle that up for the rest of the season.”

After a cagey start to the game, it was Saracens who struck first through Linkins on 20 minutes. Centre Emma Hardy was the architect, unleashing Linkins to the line with a neat pass.

Going over: Millie David scores for Bristol

On the half hour, the impressive Campbell doubled Sarries tally of tries when she crashed over from close-range on the back of a well-worked lineout. Amelia MacDougall added the extras for 12-0.

With attacking opportunities at a premium for the hosts, it would take something special for Bristol to unlock a steely Saracens defence. Millie David provided the moment of magic which Bears craved, racing half the length of the field to touch down four minutes before the break. Amber Reed’s conversion cut the gap to 12-7. However, David’s brilliance was undone on the stroke of half-time when Sydney Gregson crossed for the first of her two tries. The winger muscled over after Donna Rose had made the hard yards up front.

Too strong: Sydney Gregson breaks through to the score the fifth try for Saracens

PICTURES: Getty Images

Sarries extended their advantage on 49 minutes, courtesy of Campbell who forced her way over for her second try of the afternoon. MacDougall added the extras to make it 24-7, with Bears head coach Dave Ward deciding to unload the bench.

One of those players to be introduced was Lana Skeldon, and the Scotland hooker made an immediate impact as she burrowed over from a rolling maul.

On 63 minutes David bagged her brace, diving for the corner in exquisite fashion despite the attempts of a scrambling Sarries defence.

Gregson responded for Sarries, racing in for her second try four minutes later, before Bryony Field crashed over to make it 36-17. Amber Reed got a try back for Bears two minutes from time, finishing off a devastating attack, but the day belonged to Saracens who put the icing on the cake by virtue of a last minute Linkins penalty to end the game 41-24.

Bristol boss Ward said: “Saracens were too strong for us today, and they deployed the bench well. It’s only our second game of the season and there is a long way to go.”