Defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury comfortably defeated Trailfinders 32-19 to move one point behind Premiership Women’s Rugby leaders Exeter Chiefs.

Emma Sing opened the scoring before Ellie Rugman, who had not played for the club in more than a year, grabbed two tries.

England’s Alex Matthews grabbed the all-important bonus-point try, with Beth Stafford also crossing for the visitors.

Elsewhere, Bristol Bears hammered Leicester Tigers 62-7, in a game that included a length-of-the-field try by Wales wing Jasmine Joyce-Butchers.

Wing Millie David scored four tries as last year’s runners-up recorded a statement win on the road.

Gloucester-Hartpury next face Bristol Bears on 30 November at Kingsholm. Before that, the Bears are in action against Trailfinders next Saturday.

Leicester, who are yet to win a game in PWR, also play next Saturday, against Loughborough Lightning.