A new era of women's rugby got underway at the weekend with the first round of the Tyrrells Premier 15s.
Wasps FC Ladies vs. Harlequins Ladies
A first-half scoring masterclass from Harlequins helped them to a 38-32 victory at Wasps. Tries from Shaunagh Brown, Jess Breach, Holly Myers and Heather Cowell helped Quins to a 24-3 lead at half-time but they had to endure a a second-half fightback to secure victory.
Kate Hallett, Abby Dow and Louise Dodds tries narrowed the gap to four, but further tries from Myers and Breach clinched victory for Quins, with Wasps having to settle for two points in defeats.
Loughborough Lightning vs. Worcester Valkyries
The opening round of the Premier 15s -- which RFU chiefs stated was not a commercial venture -- also saw Loughborough Lightning run in eight tries in their 46-12 demolition of Worcester Valkyries.
Five first-half tries, including a brace from Olivia Jones helped the Lightning to a comfortable 29-0 lead but two late tries from Lark Davies and Zoe Bennion put the visitors on the scoreboard.
Firwood Waterloo Ladies vs. Saracens Women
Two tries in the final 10 minutes saw Saracens snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in a 22-13 win over Firwood Waterloo at the Memorial Ground. Bethany Stott kicked two penalties and a conversion to Vanessa Temple's try which gave Firwood a 13-5 lead but Nina Vistisen and Sonia Green both crossed for tries in the final 10 minutes to earn the win for Sarries.
Darlington Mowden Park Sharks vs. Gloucester-Hartpury Women's RFC
Gloucester-Hartpury were convincing winners at Darlington Mowden Park Sharks after a 32-3 win. Their performance was built from a strong first-half display, with tries from Ceri Large and Rachel Lund putting them in control. Further tries from Beth Jones, Lund -- her second -- and Milly Wallis secured the bonus-point win.
Bristol Ladies vs. Richmond FC
Richmond held off a second-half fightback from Bristol to open the new season with a 31-24 win. It looked like a foregone conclusion as Richmond led 31-12 early in the second half courtesy of tries from Claire Phelps, Laura Kapo, Rebecca Ball and Jade Wong. But a Lagi Tuima brace brought Bristol to within seven points, but they couldn't find a way past the visitor's defence at the death.