Gloucester-Hartpury returned to the highest of the Premier 15s desk after a 40-26 victory over Loughborough because the league resumed after the Ladies’s Six Nations.
Gloucester, who began the day some extent behind Exeter Chiefs, benefitted after their rivals misplaced 29-22 to Saracens.
Saracens led 29-12 after 49 minutes and though they thought of twice, they held on for the win to consolidate third.
Gloucester had been too robust for Loughborough with Bethan Lewis and Ellie Rugman every scoring two tries.
They got a second of concern when Loughborough minimize the hole to seven factors (33-26) within the second half earlier than Neve Jones scored and Emma Sing kicked her fifth objective to safe the win.
Saracens began strongly in opposition to Exeter with Hannah Botterman, Lotte Clapp and Coreen Grant serving to them to a 17-12 half-time lead earlier than a quickfire double after the break from Might Campbell and Sarah McKenna.
Exeter minimize the lead by Katie Buchanan however the dwelling aspect’s protection held till the ultimate minute when Maisy Allen crossed however Gloucester now maintain a two-point benefit on the prime of the desk.
Elsewhere, the Bristol Bears remained on track for a play-off place with a 49-24 win at Sale Sharks on Saturday.
England hooker Lark Davies scored twice for the Bears who led 21-12 on the break.
Keira Bevan, Ella Lovibond, Sarah Bern, Deborah Wills and Phoebe Murray additionally crossed, with Bevan kicking 4 targets and Elinor Snowsill including three extra.
Hollie Bawden’s hat trick was little comfort for the house aspect.
In Saturday’s different video games, England worldwide Ellie Kildunne scored 4 tries as fifth-placed Harlequins stored the strain on Bristol by thrashing backside aspect Wasps 80-7, with Lauren Torley additionally scoring twice.
Worcester Warriors ran out snug 48-7 winners over DMP Sharks with two tries apiece for Carys Cox and Lydia Thompson.
