Gloucester-Hartpury could head into the Christmas break unbeaten in the league, should they overcome DMP Sharks on Saturday. But head coach Sean Lynn insists there’s still a job to be done first.

“Hopefully everything thaws out that’s the big question. We have a big respect for DMP, they’ll come down keen to get the win. It will be nice to get the win before the Christmas break.”

It’s the last game at home this calendar year for Gloucester-Hartpury, and Lynn wants his side to put on a show for the supporters one last time in 2022.

“It will be really nice to get the win in the last game before Christmas. The last game at home against Bristol we put in a really good performance in defence and attack, so we’ll be looking to build on that.”

Last weekend, Gloucester-Hartpury thrashed the reigning Premier 15s champions Saracens 7-53 in their own backyard, and Lynn was delighted with the result and performance.

“I was very proud of the girls. Saracens is always a tough place to go and to come away with a bonus point win was great.”

Gloucester-Hartpury’s ruthless attack was on fire against Sarries, running in nine tries. But Lynn was just as pleased with his side’s defence, as they held strong against Saracens for large periods of the second-half.

“We had a really good training week, the girls are buying into the Gloucester-Hartpury way that we want to play and especially how we want to defend, and we take a lot of pride in that.

“Rhys Oakley, the defence coach, was extremely proud and that’s something he looks at massively, making sure that we stay in the fight. It was really pleasing for the girls to show the character of the team.”

England’s Maud Muir made her debut for the Cherry & Whites after making the move from Wasps in the summer, and Lynn was happy to see her run out in a Gloucester-Hartpury jersey for the first time.

“It’s great to have her on board, she’s a lovely character off field but on the pitch she’s very physical and we are excited to see what she brings.”

Ellie Rugman remains the league’s top scorer after a brace against Saracens took her league total to 7 for the season. Lynn is pleased that his side are offering threats all over the pitch.

“We don’t want to be a side that’s just about our driving maul. We want a strong maul and a strong scrum but also go width to width and that’s where Ellie comes into her own.

“The cross-field kick from Lleucu George was outstanding and when you have someone like Emma Sing, who has a great running game, but is now distributing with the wingers and setting them free, it’s great. We’re looking very threatening across the park.”

Gloucester-Hartpury’s game against DMP Sharks kicks off at 2pm on Saturday 17 December at the Alpas Arena, Hartpury and tickets can be purchased here.

Sean Lynn hopes Gloucester-Hartpury extend unbeaten start into 2023

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