Premiership Women's Rugby: Abbie Ward scores on return after giving birth
Written by I Dig Sports
A new era for women's rugby in England got off to a flying start with 21 tries in the first three games of Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby.
The new league - rebranded this year from Premier 15s - kicked off at Ashton Gate where Abbie Ward celebrated her return from giving birth to her first child just four months ago with a try as Bristol Bears beat Sale Sharks 48-5.
England lock Ward became a mum in July with the arrival of her first child Hallie - who she carried to the pitch before the match.
Lark Atkin-Davies had the honour of scoring the new league's first try followed by scores for Reneeqa Bonner, Ward, Lucy Burgess, Phoebe Murray, Jess Sprague, Ella Lovibond. Italy's Beatrice Rigoni replied for the visitors.
Saracens equalled the Bears' score, beating Loughborough Lightning 48-7 at home with Canada skipper Sophie De Goede leading the way with two tries.
That was added to by scores from England captain Marlie Packer, Leanne Infante, Poppy Cleall, Jess Breach, Sydney Gregson and a penalty try. Scotland's Rachel Malcolm replied for Lightning,
Trailfinders Women made their league debut and almost pulled off a shock, losing 22-17 at home to Harlequins with tries from Liz Musgrove and Ella Amory. Quins hit back with their own scores from Izzy Mayhew, Flo Robinson, Abbie Fleming, who grabbed the final try on the hour mark on her debut.
Trailfinders played with 14 women for most of the game following Shannon Ikahihifo's red card.
Like Trailfinders, Leicester Tigers are also making their top-flight bow and have eight potential debutants in their squad - four in the starting XV and four more among the replacements - when they face Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.
Scotland's Eva Donaldson and Francesca McGhie, USA international Tahlia Brody and England's Meg Jones are the four new faces starting.
Canada's Alex Tessier will make her debut for the visiting Chiefs at fly-half, while the team also features new loosehead prop Demi Swann. Australia's Lori Cramer, USA's Gabby Cantorna, Ireland's Clara Nielson, and England's Claudia MacDonald are also included in the 23 for last season's runners-up.
Results and fixtures
Saturday
Bristol Bears 48-5 Sale Sharks
Saracens 48-7 Loughborough Lightning
Trailfinders Women 17-22 Harlequins
Sunday
Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs (1500 GMT)
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