Ilona Maher’s first try for Bristol Bears helped them to a dramatic 41-31 Premiership Women’s Rugby win at Exeter Chiefs.
The American back, whose three-month contract with the Bears began this month, had made her debut as a substitute in a defeat by Gloucester-Hartpury last weekend.
She started against the Chiefs and a try from team-mate Phoebe Murray gave the Bears the lead.
Liv McGoverne then went over for Exeter before the visitors were awarded a penalty try and had Reneeqa Bonner touch down.
Taylor Perry’s try reduced the deficit but Exeter went into the break 19-14 behind.
Claudia MacDonald scored a try to level the match before Bristol restored their lead with a Meg Varley score and another penalty try.
Maher then powered through two tackles on the way to scoring her first try and, while Alex Tessier and MacDonald went over for Exeter, Bristol held on for the win.
“The team is so welcoming and it’s such a cool environment to learn in,” Maher told TNT Sports.
“It’s the best team I could’ve chosen.
“I haven’t played at this level so to get my feet wet in this has been something that will help me go into a World Cup to be the best player I can be for the USA.”
