Oh, how the mighty have fallen!

For years Wasps Rugby were a household name within the English game. A club whose history was widely regarded and whose on-field presence was revered by rivals across the land.

Sadly, the 2022/23 season will go down as the time when this once great club slipped into the abyss. Whereas their men’s side will hope to rediscover itself in the depths of the Midlands League, their women’s side are set to bow out on an equally low note from the Allianz Premier 15s.

In the Devon sunshine, the visitors took could at least take heart from a fighting display that did yield a somewhat happy ending when replacement Chloe Flanagan crossed for a consolation score in the dying embers.

The rest of the contest at Sandy Park, however, was a total mis-match as Exeter Chiefs rediscovered their winning formula with a 12-try demolition job.

‘Captain America’ herself Kate Zackary led the way for Susie Appleby’s side, claiming a hat-trick of tries in the opening half-hour. Brooke Bradley and Laura Sheehan helped themselves to a brace apiece, whilst there were further touchdowns for Katie Buchanan, Rachel Johnson, Silvia Turani, Lori Cramer and Nancy McGillivray.

Liv McGoverne and Gabby Cantorna took it in turns to heap further misery on the visitors with their goalkicking, before Robyn Wilkins got in on the scoring act herself with three late conversions.

The victory, which has put the Chiefs within touching distance of securing home advantage in next month’s play-offs, was much needed in the wake of back-to-back losses to Saracens and Bristol Bears in the past fortnight.

Read the full article at the official Exeter Chiefs web site >>