Loughborough Lightning secured a full five-point bonus win against Bristol Bears away in an impressive display at Shaftesbury Park.
The African Violets trailed by five points at the break despite a brace of tries from Mae Sagapolu; however, came out for the second period with a new lease of life and managed the tricky conditions to perfection.
Tries from Lis Maude, Alev Kelter, and a penalty from Helen Nelson saw Lightning take the victory home from Bristol for the second year in a row.
First Half:
The hosts came out of the blocks firing in the opening period with winger Reneeqa Bonner diving in at the far corner.
Lightning eventually found their way into the game and built pressure inside the Bears’ 22 with the hosts giving away multiple penalties.
Sagapolu delivered the tap-and-go and with the added support of Lilli Ives Campion behind her, they crashed over for the score.
The hosts responded with a nice score of their own, built through sustained pressure, which Emma Orr finished, followed shortly after by a counter-attacking score as Ella Lovibond touched down under the posts.
Lightning closed the gap before the break, as they returned to type, keeping the ball tight, and Sagapolu went over for her second of the afternoon.
Second Half:
Lightning came out for the second period with a spring in their step, firing with much more accuracy and intent than their opening half display, typified by the try from Maude, who sniped from the base of the scrum to take her side into the lead.
An excellent 50-22 from Scott gave Lightning field position once again and remained patient until Kelter crashed over for the bonus point try.
Wave after wave of African Violet was smashing at the Bears’ goal line for extensive periods, but the hosts were holding firm. However, they kept giving away penalties, and eventually, Nelson decided to take the three points and extend the lead to twelve.
Bristol tried to fight back, but it was Loughborough who held out and took home maximum points as they strengthened their position in the top four, heading into their final game of 2025 on Sunday 21 December when Trailfinders Women are the visitors to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens – tickets are available by clicking HERE.
Head Coach Nathan Smith:
“I was really impressed with the girls and how they played the conditions.
“The leadership group at half-time were exceptional with the way they came up with a plan and executed it. Helen Nelson, in particular, was exceptional today in tough conditions, and she did brilliantly.
“Bristol were top four last year, so going away here with an expectation to win and pick up points is a culture shift in the programme, and I’m exceptionally proud.”
Line-ups:
Bristol: 15. Ella Lovibond, 14. Reneeqa Bonner, 13. Emma Orr, 12. Savannah Picton-Powell, 11. Millie David, 10. Ruahei Demant, 9. Tilly Ryall; 1. Hannah Botterman, 2. Amy Dale, 3. Elliann Clarke, 4. Hollie Cunningham, 5. Abbie Ward (c), 6. Christiana Balogun, 7. Jenny Herring, 8. Evie Gallagher.
Replacements: 16. Jess Sprague, 17. Simi Pam, 18. Aisha Jah, 19. Pamphinette Buisa, 20. Gwennan Hopkins, 21. Seren Singleton, 22. Lucie Skuse, 23. Jasmine Joyce
Lightning: 15 Lucia Scott, 14 Bulou Mataitoga, 13 Alev Kelter, 12 Carmela Morrall, 11 Bo Westcombe-Evans, 10 Helen Nelson, 9 Lis Maude; 1 Anne Young, 2 Lucy Calladine, 3 Mae Sagapolu, 4 Lilli Ives Campion, 5 Rachel Ehrecke, 6 Daisy Hibbert-Jones ©, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Haineala Lutui.
Replacements: 16 Kathryn Treder, 17 Isla Curphey, 18 Christine Belisle, 19 Becky Boyd, 20 Kendall Waudby, 21 Tahlia Brody, 22 Megan Davey, 23 Lia Green