Gloucester-Hartpury secured top spot in the Allianz Premier 15s with a win over Sale Sharks in Richmond on Saturday.

The Cherry & Whites knew that victory in London would secure them a home semi-final for the first time in the club’s history.

Despite a fast start thanks to an early Ellie Rugman try, the Sharks bit back to race into a 14-5 lead inside the opening 10 minutes. However, it wasn’t long before the Gloucester-Hartpury side found their mojo once more with scores from Sarah Beckett, Sophie Bridger and Kelsey Jones taking the visitors into a 14-22 lead at the break.

The second half brought more of the same from the Cherry & Whites with Sarah Beckett grabbing her second of the game within the opening two minutes. Tries from Connie Powell, Lisa Neumann and Siwan Lillicrap followed and with Lleucu George kicking six successful conversions, Gloucester-Hartpury secured all five points with a 14-48 victory.

Co-captain Zoe Aldcroft was delighted that her team have nailed down that top spot with a game to spare.

“We are absolutely buzzing. Last year we came so close in those games against the top teams, but struggled to close out games, but this year we’ve found that level of consistency and performances that we know we’re capable of delivering.

“We can’t wait for the semi-final at Kingsholm and hopefully a big Gloucester crowd behind us!”

Head Coach Sean Lynn was beaming with pride with his side’s efforts over the season.

“We set out at the beginning of the season to secure a top-four finish and we’ve given ourselves the opportunity in the last few weeks to finish the top and get that important home semi-final.

“To have that home semi-final at Kingsholm is going to be really special.”

Tickets are now on sale for Gloucester-Hartpury’s home semi-final, set to take place at Kingsholm on Saturday 10 June, 3pm kick off. Get yours here.

Gloucester-Hartpury secure home semi-final with win over Sale Sharks

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