Loughborough Lightning’s first appearance at Franklin’s Gardens was capped by a thrilling 28-25 win over Exeter Chiefs during the Premier 15s.
It looked like the home side was heading for defeat before Sadia Kabeya scored her second attempt of the game to give Loughborough a late lead.
After trailing by seven after a close first half, Exeter now has an 11-point advantage.
Loughborough remains in sixth place on the table thanks to its bonus-point win.
“It was an excellent finish at the end,” stated Rhys Edwards, Loughborough director for rugby.
“I don’t think it was in doubt. But I think that the intense competition between the teams showed just how difficult it can be physically and how accurate it’s got got to be.
“We placed ourselves under pressure in half-time, but the heart and fight we showed, as well as the accuracy when we were really desperate, won the day.”
After the clubs announced a partnership in September, Loughborough was invited to play at Northampton Saints’ home.
The other fixtures are scheduled for Saturday. Bristol BearsIt is narrowly edged out Wasps7-5 to close gap on Saracen table-toppers Saracens Worcester WarriorsThumped bottom side Darlington Mowden Park Sharks 57-17.
It is better to do it earlier in the day. Saracens’Match with Gloucester-HartpuryThis was delayed due to damage to StoneX Stadium by Storm Eunice.
“The safety and well-being of players, staff and supporters is our top priority,” said the club from north London.
Next week, a decision will be made about what to do with the fixture.
Three people died thousands were left without powerFriday’s winds blew debris into the air and toppled trees.
