Photos (c) Martin Bennett / Gloucester Rugby

Gloucester-Hartpury secured a maiden Premier 15s title with a 34-19 win over Exeter Chiefs in front of a record crowd at Kingsholm this afternoon.

Tries from Kelsey Jones, Rachel Lund, Sarah Beckett and Lisa Neumann were instrumental as Gloucester-Hartpury blew away their West Country rivals

The Cherry & Whites have shown bravery in attack all season, and that’s what has brought them so far.

There was a murmur in the crowd when co-captain, Mo Hunt, pointed to the corner when the Cherry & Whites had a kickable penalty in front of the posts under ten minutes in.

But the Shed murmurs turned to cheers moments later when Kelsey Jones crossed at the tail of an unstoppable maul for Gloucester-Hartpury’s first Premier 15s final try. Playmaker, Lleucu George couldn’t add the conversion.

Gloucester-Hartpury continued to play all the rugby in the Exeter 22. Hunt and George were kicking well, pinning their West Country rivals back.

George struck an outrageous outside of the foot 50/22 to give Sean Lynn’s side yet another attacking chance. Chiefs did well to defend the maul, but Hunt and Rugman combined well down the Cherry & Whites’ second score of the afternoon. However, under review of TMO, Andrew Jackson, a last-ditch tackle prevented Hunt from grounding the ball.

Exeter fought their way back into the game and up to the Gloucester-Hartpury try line for the first time in the match.

Head Coach, Sean Lynn, said in the build-up to the match that the Gloucester-Hartpury players were relishing their defensive duties this season. And it certainly looked the case as his side repelled a number of attacks.

But an over-eager hit from Sarah Beckett, saw her sent from the field for ten minutes in the sin bin.

Exeter made the most of their player advantage with a try almost immediately.

But with Beckett still in the bin, the Cherry & Whites fought back into the lead. Slick hands sent centre, Rachel Lund over in the corner for Gloucester-Hartpury’s second.

Beckett returned from the bin and made an instant impact. She barged her way over from close range to extend the Gloucester-Hartpury lead to ten points as the first period came to an end.

Half time: Gloucester-Hartpury 17-7 Exeter Chiefs

Gloucester-Hartpury came out of the blocks quickest in the second half, adding another seven points to their tally for the afternoon.

A Cross-field kick from Lleucu George was slapped out of play deliberately by the covering Chiefs defender, preventing the high-flying Ellie Rugman from gathering the ball. So referee, Dan Jones had no choice but to award a penalty try.

With the Cherry & Whites getting a firm grip on the game, the Chiefs needed to respond. Fly-half, Liv McGovern crossed in the corner to keep them in the game.

Just three minutes later, Gloucester-Hartpury’s Emma Sing struck a penalty over from 40-metres out to pull away once more.

The game was dead and buried with five minutes to go, replacement, Lisa Neumann, benefitted from a huge overlap, strolling over to put the cherry on top and secure Gloucester-Hartpury a first-ever Premier 15s title.

Exeter did manage a consolation score in the dying minutes, but this was Gloucester-Hartpury's day at Queensholm.

Full time: Gloucester-Hartpury 34-19 Exeter Chiefs

Post-match |

Gloucester-Hartpury crowned Allianz Premier 15s winners

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