ALLIANZ CUP FINAL: SARACENS CROWNED CHAMPIONS AS FINAL POSITIONS CONFIRMED

Saracens secured the Allianz Cup title in a thrilling 31-17 showdown with Bristol Bears at Shaftesbury Park.

Despite two stunning tries from Deborah Wills in the first half, the Londoners regrouped to cut the deficit through the hands of Akina Gondwe before the break.

Sarries came out swinging in the second half as Lotte Clapp powered over to level proceedings just three minutes after the restart.

But Bears weren’t going down without a fight and Ella Lovibond’s quick feet responded for the hosts shortly after.

Saracens registered two further tries in the final 20 minutes thanks to Bryony Cleall and May Campbell, taking victory out of Bristol’s reach.

Player of the match Sarifa Kasolo said: “I’m super elated, the sun is out and we deserved it.

“We worked so hard.

“Earlier in the week we were discussing what we want to give to the team and for me being in the final last year and us just being so close – that’s what I kept in my mind.

“I wanted to put my body on the line, I would put my head anywhere just to make sure I’m doing my bit for this team and we’ve been rewarded for that.

“It has really been one team.

“We went in at half time and really just wanted to come out composed and do things for each other.

“A lot of what we’ve been working on is supporting each other in our carries and tackles and that’s what really gave us that edge today.”

Earlier in the day third place was claimed by Gloucester-Hartpury who triumphed over Exeter Chiefs 26-14 at Sandy Park.

In a cagey affair, both teams scored once before the break but the Cherry and Whites found victory through tries from Charlie Mai-Manns, Lizzie Goulden and Steph Else in the second half.

Over in London, Trailfinders Women secured seventh position after a close 42-31 battle with Harlequins.

Tries from Vicky Laflin, GB7s flyer Abi Burton, Liz Musgrove and a brace from Rowena Burnfield confirmed the win at Twickenham Stoop.

Fifth place was claimed by Loughborough Lightning the day before when the hosts scraped through a 26-22 encounter with Sale Sharks.

A penalty try and three further scores by Abby Duguid, Maja Meuller and Bo Westcombe-Evans were enough to win the two-legged affair 48-34 on aggregate.