Bristol Bears Women were unable to replicate the victorious start to the new season that their men’s side delivered against Bath last weekend as they went down 32-17 at home to one of last season’s semi-finalists Wasps FC Ladies.
New signing Claire Molloy scored a brace of tries for Wasps, while England tight-head Sarah Bern, a key returnee into Bristol Bears Women’s set-up, was one of their try-scorers.
Last season’s runners-up, Harlequins Ladies began their campaign on the road and travelled home with the points after a 38-24 win at Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC.
Rachael Burford’s try handed Harlequins Ladies a 19-14 lead just before the change of ends, an advantage they never relinquished.
Meanwhile, there was also victory for Loughborough Lightning, who began their season with a hard-fought 22-19 victory over Richmond FC.
Lightning’s most significant summer signing Katy Daley-Mclean, who captained England to World Cup victory in 2014, used her accurate boot to help them storm into a 17-0 half-time lead.
The home side then moved 22-5 in front before their indiscipline and yellow cards reduced them to 11 players in the final 10 minutes.
Richmond scored twice through a penalty try and a close-range effort from Libby Povey but the home side managed to see out the game.