Premiership Wrap-up: Round 1

The 2021-22 Premiership kicked off on Friday evening when Saracens announced in emphatic style that they are back in the competition as they brushed aside Bristol Bears 26-9 at Ashton Gate. The defensive systems held firm in the first half as all points came from the boot as they teams reached the break with the score at 9-all. Saracens took control of the match in the second stanza as they kept the scoreboard ticking over and delivered the knockout blow when the scored the game’s only try around the 70 minute mark.

Leicester delighted their fans when they managed to stick one on competition giants, Exeter, 34-19. Tigers flyhalf George Ford steered his team beautifully, dictating the game in Leicester’s favour. Exeter were under pressure from the fist whistle and the teams arrived at half-time with Leicester 20-5 ahead. Exeter were awarded a penalty try 15 minutes to get back in the game but Leicester would not relinquish their hold on the game. 

The Northampton Saints took top spot on log after their impressive victory over Gloucester. A richly entertaining game, the Saints ran in four tries to their opponents’ three for the bonus point and a final score of 34-19. 

After a disastrous 2020-21 campaign, Worcester Warriors managed to kick off the 2021-22 season with a victory over London Irish at Sixways. The Exiles started off well, dotting down in the corner after just six minutes. However, the Worcester maul rumbled over the line ten minutes later as they launched their comeback. Quick thinking by Willi Heinz saw Worcester go 12-5 up and dotted down again in the 42nd minute to gain a comfortable, 19-5 lead going into the break. A Heinz intercept led to Warriors’ third try and they added two more before the final whistle while Exiles did well enough for four of their own. 

A nail-biting contest at the AJ Bell saw Sale Sharks sneak past Bath, 20-19, after the latter mounted an admirable comeback after finding themselves 17-0 down. Bath took the lead with three minutes left in the match but Sale had some left in the tank and, after slotting a penalty to snatch the lead back, were able to hold out until the final whistle.  

Harlequins got their title defence off to a winning start as they downed the Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park, 26-20. Falcons put up a good fight and kept Quins on their toes but the reigning champs’ experience and composure showed as they were able to withstand the pressure and hold out until the end.