Sale Sharks Women suffered a bruising 40-10 defeat at home to 14-woman Saracens Women in round two of the Premier 15s.
Newly formed Sale were taking on the current champions and the Blues’ lack of experience as a team meant they couldn’t take advantage of a red card early in the second half.
Sarries were in typical try-scoring form going over six times in a professional performance as they continued their winning ways.
In an end-to-end first half, Saracens opened the scoring within 90 seconds as Chantelle Miell raced clear of the Sharks defence.
Sale fought back as they took the lead through a first-half brace for Carys Hall on debut.
Hall’s second try saw her her take advantage of a cross-field kick into the in-goal area to give Sale a narrow advantage, with both conversions missed by Katy Daley-McLean.
Saracens moved back in front moments later using their forward pack to guide the ball over the try line.
England number eight Poppy Cleall worked the ball well from a scrum as Sarries went into the break leading 21-10.
Seconds after the restart, Saracens were reduced to fourteen women after Cleall was sent off for a reckless jump as she charged down a kick.
Despite the woman-advantage, the Sharks were forced to withstand incessant Saracens attacks, May Campbell eventually going over the try line for Sarries to get her second of the game.
The skill of the two-time champions started to tell as captain Lotte Clapp crashed over for Saracens before Sydney Gregson added their sixth and final try to secure a resounding victory.
Sale Sharks next match sees them travel away for the first time as they take on Gloucester-Hartpury Women.
