WELSH international hooker Carys Phillips crossed the line three times as Worcester Warriors Women scored nine tries in their thumping win over DMP Sharks in Darlington.

Phillips profited three times from rolling mauls as the visitors proved far too strong for their hosts despite an even first half.

Worcester were only 14-5 up after 35 minutes but Phillips and Hannah Bluck crossed late on in the half to add to Lyndsay O'Donnell and Carys Cox's early tries for a 26-5 lead at the break.

Scores from Paige Farries and Florence Long inside three minutes of each other shortly after the restart took the game away from Sharks before the dominant driving maul saw Phillips go over twice to complete her hat-trick.

There was still time for one more for Warriors as quick hands put Sara Moreira in at the corner to wrap up a comprehensive win.

It was the perfect response from Jo Yapp's side after last weekend's hefty defeat at home to league leaders Gloucester-Hartpury.

The win moves Worcester up into fifth in the Allianz Premier 15s table with what was their third victory of the 2022/23 season.

Elsewhere in the league, leaders Gloucester made it seven wins from seven with a 46-12 bonus-point win at home to Loughborough Lightning.

Bristol Bears Women proved too good for Sale Sharks Women in a 48-21 win, whilst Harlequins Women put 71 points on Wasps Women.