Packer’s double helps Saracens past Exeter to third women’s Premier 15s title

A Marlie Packer brace aided Saracens to their third Premier 15s title as they defeated Exeter 43-21 in front of a record crowd of 3,238 at Sixways Stadium.

In the sixth minute, supporters roared as Sarah McKenna made a crucial turnover with the Chiefs edging into their 22. Saracens turned up the heat as Holly Aitchison kicked for territory and Alev Kelter powered over the gain line. The ball was shifted right to left but Hannah Botterman dropped so Saracens were pulled back for a penalty advantage. Poppy Cleall took a quick tap and was inches from the line. The recycled ball found player of the match Packer, who has had a stunning season, and she went under the posts for the first try.

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Exeter fans willed their side to hit backand a driving maul earned them a penalty. They displayed their intentions with a kick to the corner but a Sarries wall hit the maul and the defence proved impenetrable as they cleared their lines. May Campbell then bagged a turnover to quash Exeter’s momentum.

It was Sarries supporters who found their voices next as a clean scrum and great breaks from McKenna and Packer set Alex Austerberry’s side just metres from their second score. It came out to Vicky Fleetwood who dotted down.

Exeter knew they had to be the next to score to get a foot back in the final and Patricia García produced the goods. Exeter won a penalty and the fly-half tapped and went. The Spanish international, who retired after the match, scored a beautiful one-handed finish.

Saracens’ game management came into play 10 minutes from half-time as they opted to kick a penalty and Kelter scored three more points. The women in black started to