Did Saracens Dominate Their London Rivals Quins? PWR Round-Up

Saracens emphatically kicked off their Premiership Women's Rugby campaign with a commanding 47-10 victory over Harlequins, showcasing a blistering start that featured two tries from Alysha Corrigan. After a disappointing opening match against Gloucester Hartpury, Saracens displayed their resilience and attacking prowess, scoring seven tries in total to secure the win.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Saracens have bounced back from a heavy defeat in their opening match against Gloucester Hartpury, dominating Harlequins in a London derby at the StoneX Stadium. This win not only marks a strong start to their Premiership campaign but also reinforces their intent to compete at the highest level. The performance was particularly notable given their previous loss, and it sets a positive tone for the rest of the season.

Key takeaways

Saracens secured a 47-10 victory against Harlequins, scoring seven tries in total.
Alysha Corrigan scored two tries, leading the Saracens' impressive performance.
Harlequins experienced their first defeat of the season despite Ellie Kildunne's efforts.
Bristol Bears recorded a remarkable 74-0 victory over Leicester Tigers in their opening match.
Loughborough Lightning won 19-12 against Sale Sharks in a closely contested match.

Timeline: how we got here

The current season's action began on 7 October 2023, with Saracens suffering a heavy defeat to Gloucester Hartpury (final score: 40-10). Following this, on 14 October 2023, Saracens faced Harlequins, where they achieved a resounding victory. Other matches included Bristol Bears’ win over Leicester Tigers and Loughborough Lightning's victory against Sale Sharks, both occurring on the same day as Saracens' match.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Saracens' performance against Harlequins marks a significant turnaround for the team, showcasing their attacking depth and ability to recover from setbacks. The emergence of players like Alysha Corrigan and Laets Royer as key contributors highlights the team's potential for the season ahead.

What was already established

Prior to this match, Saracens had struggled against strong competition, as evidenced by their loss to Gloucester Hartpury. However, the team had previously shown promise, including strong performances in the prior season, which suggests they have the talent to compete effectively this year.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Saracens' victory can enhance interest and attendance at women's rugby events, potentially increasing local economic benefits through ticket sales and associated merchandise. As teams like Saracens and Bristol Bears gain traction, families may seek to engage more with women's sports, impacting general attitudes towards female athletics.

Businesses and jobs

Exciting matches can lead to increased sponsorship opportunities and investment in women's rugby. As the league garners attention, businesses affiliated with the sport, from local shops to larger sponsors, may see a rise in revenues tied to match days and merchandise sales.

Policy and regulation

With the growing success of women's rugby, discussions may arise around funding and support from governing bodies to ensure sustainable growth. This could lead to increased investment in coaching, facilities, and youth programmes, fostering a greater development pipeline for future talent.

Numbers that matter

47 - Points scored by Saracens in their match against Harlequins.
10 - Points scored by Harlequins, indicating a significant victory margin for Saracens.
12 - Tries scored by Bristol Bears against Leicester Tigers, in a commanding performance.
19 - Points scored by Loughborough Lightning in their win over Sale Sharks.
50 - The milestone appearance for Ellie Kildunne in her match against Saracens.

Definitions and jargon buster

Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR): The top tier of women's rugby union in England.
Sarries: Informal name for Saracens Rugby Club.
Sin-bin: A temporary suspension from play for a player who has committed an infringement.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Following this victory, Saracens will look to build momentum in their next matches. Fans can expect to see increasing engagement as the team aims to maintain their winning streak.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, teams will refine their strategies and strengthen their squads. Player performances, injuries, and tactical adjustments will likely shape the league standings.

Signals to watch

Upcoming fixtures and results to gauge team progress.
Player statistics, particularly from key players like Alysha Corrigan and Kelsey Clifford, to assess their impact.
Sponsorship announcements and investment in women’s rugby.

Practical guidance

Do

Support your local women's rugby team by attending matches.
Engage with youth programmes to promote women's sports.
Follow the league's developments through official channels.

Don’t

Miss out on supporting women's sports due to preconceived notions about its popularity.
Ignore opportunities to engage with local clubs and initiatives.
Underestimate the potential for women's rugby to grow and attract investment.

Checklist

Check the upcoming fixtures for local women's rugby matches.
Follow team updates and player performances online.
Consider attending training sessions or community events.
Engage with local sponsors supporting women’s rugby.
Promote awareness of women’s rugby in your social circles.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Saracens' victory is promising, the unpredictability of sports means that future performances can vary greatly. Factors such as player injuries, changes in coaching strategies, and the competitive nature of the league can impact outcomes. Additionally, while interest in women's rugby is growing, it faces challenges in achieving parity with men's sports in terms of funding and media coverage.

Bottom line

The Saracens have demonstrated their potential with a decisive win, which could catalyse greater support and interest in women's rugby. As the season unfolds, their ability to sustain this momentum will be crucial for their success and the overall growth of the sport in the UK.

FAQs

What was the final score of the Saracens vs. Harlequins match?

The final score was 47-10 in favour of Saracens, marking a strong start to their Premiership campaign.

Who were the standout players in the match?

Alysha Corrigan stood out with two tries, while Kelsey Clifford and Jemma-Jo Linkins also made significant contributions.

How did other teams perform in the Premiership Women's Rugby this week?

Bristol Bears achieved a remarkable 74-0 victory over Leicester Tigers, and Loughborough Lightning won 19-12 against Sale Sharks.