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Champions Gloucester-Hartpury continued their perfect start to the Premiership Women’s Rugby season with a 45-26 victory over Loughborough Lightning.<\/b><\/p>\n
With the season returning after a six-week winter break, Gloucester-Hartpury made it eight straight wins and have now beaten all of their rivals this season at the first time of asking.<\/p>\n
A Nel Metcalfe hat-trick helped put them 19-7 ahead at the break on Sunday and they extended their advantage in the second half with Kelsey Jones, Georgia Brock, England captain Zoe Stratford and Pip Hendy all crossing.<\/p>\n
The victory leaves them five points clear of nearest rivals Saracens.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, Bristol Bears<\/b> ended a five-game losing run with a dramatic 30-29 home win over Sale Sharks.<\/p>\n
Sale led 22-10 at half-time but Bristol gradually cut the gap and a last-gasp penalty from Wales scrum-half Keira Bevan gave them the victory.<\/p>\n
Fourth-placed Exeter Chiefs <\/b>ran in six tries in a 36-0 win over bottom side Leicester Tigers, while Harlequins are third after beating Trailfinders<\/a> on Friday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n