Saracens defeated Loughborough to take a two point lead at the top Premier 15s table. Bristol also won a bonus-point victory at DMP Durham Sharks.
Sarries gained the league lead after their win at Loughborough, 27-12.
Gloucester beat Sale 17-3 in order to maintain pressure on the top 4.
Saracens won in Loughborough early when England forwards Marlie Paker and Poppy Clleall scored. Helena Rowland’s attempt cut the visitors’ lead down to five.
Loughborough’s Lark Davis and Holly Aitchison, Saracens, exchanged tries before the half-time break. Cleall was then given a yellow to allow him to score another try and secure victory.
Zoe Harrison was the fly-half, returning from coronavirus. Simon Middleton, England’s head coach, watched Harrison battle it out with 10 Rowland.
Bristol, which had previously won at Sharks to take the top spot in the most competitive Premier 15s season of all time, was able to keep pace with this year’s fierce competition.
Abbie Ward of England, Welsh Sevens star Jasmine Joyce, Red Roses prop Sarah Bern, and England lock Abbie Stewart all scored two tries. Grace White, 18 years old, scored on her league debut.
Rownita Marston also scored for the visitors. Jasmine Hazell was the Sharks’ only score.
Further south, Gloucester beat Sale in the second-half thanks to Connie Powell’s, Sarah Law’s and Kristine Sommer’s tries.
Third-placed Exeter will face Harlequins on Sunday. They are currently fourth. Match will take place at live on the BBC Sport website.