Gloucester-Hartpury reclaimed first place in the Premier 15s rankings with a 40-26 win over Loughborough as the league resumed following the Women’s Six Nations.

Gloucester, who began the day one point behind Exeter Chiefs, benefited from their opponents’ 29-22 loss to Saracens.

Saracens led 29-12 after 49 minutes and, after conceding twice, held on for the win to consolidate third place.

Gloucester were too powerful for Loughborough, with two tries each from Bethan Lewis and Ellie Rugman.

Loughborough closed the gap to seven points (33-26) in the second half before Neve Jones scored and Emma Sing scored her fifth goal to secure the victory.

Saracens made a good start against Exeter, with Hannah Botterman, Lotte Clapp, and Coreen Grant aiding them to a 17-12 half-time lead before a quickfire double from May Campbell and Sarah McKenna after the break.

Exeter took the lead through Katie Buchanan, but the home defense held firm until the final minute when Maisy Allen crossed, giving Gloucester a two-point lead at the top of the table.

Bristol Bears won 49-24 at Sale Sharks on Saturday, keeping them on track for a play-off spot.

Lark Davies of England scored twice for the Bears, who led 21-12 at the half.

Keira Bevan, Ella Lovibond, Sarah Bern, Deborah Wills, and Phoebe Murray also scored, with Bevan scoring four and Elinor Snowsill adding three.

The hat-trick by Hollie Bawden was little consolation for the home team.

In other games on Saturday, England international Ellie Kildunne scored four tries as fifth-placed Harlequins thrashed bottom side Wasps 80-7, with Lauren Torley also scoring twice.

Worcester Warriors defeated DMP Sharks 48-7, with two tries each from Carys Cox and Lydia Thompson.