WORCESTER slipped to a 32-5 defeat when they entertained Saracens in a Women’s Premiership match.

It was a brave effort from the inexperienced home side and, what looked like a comfortable victory for Saracens from the scoreline, the game was still in the balance until three significant substitutions on 50 minutes.

Worcester opened confidently, taking the game to Saracens who were penned in their own half for the first 17 minutes. However, on their first visit to the home side’s 22, they scored through French wing Seraphine Okemba, who repeated her feat two minutes later.

Undeterred, Worcester kept foraging forward and their enterprising rugby was rewarded with a try from Rachael Lund.

The home side continued to press forward and must have wondered why they were losing at half-time.

Worcester’s debutante Harriet Dunn had been causing havoc in the forward play, carrying well and breaking tackles, but unfortunately had to retire immediately after the break through injury.

Sally Tuson and Leanne Riley, both international backs, were introduced by Saracens on 50 minutes and with Sarah McKenna and April Brown both making intelligent use of their kicking.

The tide began to turn against Worcester as they conceded four tries in rapid succession, two from Okemba, who showed scintillating pace throughout, and two from Lynn Cattell who also made one conversion.

With Worcester introducing six players for their Premiership debut, this was an encouraging and spirited performance, but there was no doubt that Saracens deserved their victory using their superior pace and skill to outwit the largely inexperienced home side.

Whilst the visitors Okemba took the limelight, Saracens number eight Sonia Green had an outstanding game with Harriet Dunn and Kelly Smith giving excellent performances for Worcester.