Exeter Chiefs produced a dominant first-half display as they began their Premiership Women’s Rugby season with a 24-12 victory at Trailfinders.
Exeter started brightly with Liv McGoverne opening the scoring after 13 minutes before Hope Rogers seized a loose ball and went over six minutes later, with McGoverne successfully converting.
An excellent quick attacking move saw Maisy Allen send a pass to Gabriella Nigrelli out wide who delivered her side’s third try, with McGoverne adding the extras to make it 19-0 at the break.
McGoverne was involved once again as her side made it 24-0 in the 49th minute, setting up England’s Claudia Moloney-MacDonald out wide with a looping pass.
While Trailfinders looked like they were firmly out of contention, Kate Zackary gave the hosts hope when she spotted a gap and dived over in the 54th minute, with Meg Jones converting.
Their positive second-half display only saw them manage five more points, though, as Georgia Ponsonby grounded in a crowded area out wide to reduce the deficit.
Sale Sharks host Leicester Tigers at 19:00 BST on Saturday.
On Friday night, the PWR season began as Harlequins beat Loughborough Lightning 52-48.
