Premier 15s: Bristol Bears defeat Exeter Chiefs in a thrilling match to win home semi-final

Exeter Chiefs
In their Premier 15s semifinal, Bristol Bears will play Exeter Chiefs

After beating Bristol Bears 29-26 on their final day, Exeter Chiefs will face Bristol Bears in the Premier 15s semi-final.

The thrilling south-west derby saw the Chiefs win despite Laura Delgado being lately red carded to take second place.

In a repeat of last years final, Harlequins, the defending champions, will face Saracens in a semi-final.

Quins beat Sarries to win their first title in May. They finished the regular season at the top of the table.

The semi-finals will be held on Sunday 22 May.

This season’s final at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium will feature a new finalist.

The story of the last day

The final day fixture at Sandy Park was the pick. BristolYou have travelled to ExeterA match was broadcast live on BBC Sport.

Jennine Detiveaux ran from 40 yards to score the Chiefs’ opening goal. Grace Compton, the Bears’ 20-minute response, was just 20 minutes later. The conversion by Amber Reed saw the Bears move in front.

Detiveaux won her second match of the day when she collected Patricia Garcia’s kick through. Bears took the lead at the interval, after Sarah Bern crossed.

Courtney Keight, Kate Zackary, and Courtney Keight tried to exchange tries. Emily Tuttosi however put the hosts ahead before Bears Keight or Rownita Martston were sent to Sin-bin within minutes.

Chiefs’ two-player advantage was rewarded when Zackary scored her first goal. The hosts held on despite Delgado being sent to the stands and Lucy Burgess getting a Bears try,

Loughborough LightningThey beat the defending champions by an impressive 22-17 to end their season Harlequins.

Sarah Beckett of Quins cancelled Bulou Mataitoga’s first try. Helena Rowland, an England fly-half, danced through to restore Loughborough’s lead.

Lightning’s third was won by Sadia Kabeya. Katy Mew’s effort to win it back, however, reduced the deficit at the break to three points.

Vickii Cornborough increased the pressure on Lightning in second half, but Hallie Tatou scored four minutes later to secure a hard-earned victory for the hosts.

Top-of-the-table Saracens The team made a dramatic comeback to finish the regular season on a high note with a 31-26 victory over Wasps.

Within 30 minutes, the visitors were leading by 21 points. Ellie Boatman, Chris Balogun and Bryony Clleall all crossed.

Alysha corrigan scored Saracens first goal, before Amy Wilson-Hardy added another for Wasps. Alev Kelter, Holly Aitchison, Holly Campbell and Marlie Packer all scored second-half attempts to complete the turnaround for Sarries.

Eighth-place Worcester WarriorsHalf century was theirs as they beat ninth-place Sale Sharks 51-26.

Both sides scored early on two tries – Vicky Laflin and Caryl Thomas for Warriors, and Amy Orrow for Sale and Evie Tonkin.

Worcester then opened the floodgates. Jade Shekells scored either half-time or the other, Paige Farries scored two tries each, Sioned Harries scored two tries and Carys cox scored.

Lizzie Duffy was a consolation prize for the visitors.

Bottom side DMP Durham SharksAfter falling to sixth-place at home, 67-0, their winless campaign ended in humiliation Gloucester-Hartpury.

The Cherry and Whites had 38 points at the half. Ellie Underwood scored twice and Zoe Aldcroft got tries for Bethan Lewis, Lleucu George and Zoe Aldcroft.

After the break, the onslaught continued with tries by Rachel Lund, Emma Sing and Lucia Scott, as well as two additional Underwood players.

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