Mia Venner scored a hat-trick of tries as Premiership Women’s Rugby leaders Gloucester-Hartpury overturned a half-time deficit to clinch a 43-38 victory over Loughborough Lightning.
Venner crossed the line in the opening minute at Franklin’s Gardens before Lizzie Goulden added a second try to give Gloucester the early initiative.
But Loughborough responded as tries from Sadia Kabeya and Lilli Ives Campion, converted by Helena Rowland, turned the game in their favour.
Gloucester’s task was made more difficult when Venner and Goulden were sent to the sin before Bo Westcombe-Evans crossed to give Lightning a 21-12 half-time lead.
Lightning seemed to be in ascendancy when Fancy Bermudez and Carmela Morrall powered over the try-line in the second period to give them a 19-point cushion at 31-12.
However, Venner kick-started the fightback with her second try before Hannah Dallavalle and El Perry capitalised on quick handling to draw level.
Venner then notched her hat-trick from a driving maul to edge Gloucester back in front, only for Loughborough to nip in front when Alev Kelter crossed the line and Rowland booted over the extras.
But defending champions Gloucester had the final say when Tatyana Heard powered over in the closing moments, with Lleucu George successfully converting.
In Sunday’s other fixture Sale Sharks claimed a 25-7 home win over Bristol Bears.
Erica Jarrell-Searcy, Shona Campbell and Katie Childs ran over tries for Sale with Pamphinette Buisa the only player to cross the line for Bristol.
