England Stars Return as Lightning Secure Victory Over Quins
England internationals Ellie Kildunne and Sadia Kabeya made their returns to club rugby as Loughborough Lightning defeated Harlequins 43-33 in a Premiership Women's Rugby match.
The duo had missed their respective teams' matches last weekend after being stranded together in Dubai due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Both players had traveled to the United Arab Emirates prior to the disruption.
The Women's Rugby World Cup champions faced off at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton on Friday, representing opposing sides. Full-back Ellie Kildunne opened the scoring for Harlequins with a try, which was followed by an extension of their lead through Jade Konkel.
On the other side, flanker Sadia Kabeya started for Loughborough Lightning alongside fellow World Cup winners Helena Rowland and Lilli Ives Campion. This marked the first occasion the trio started together since England's World Cup victory in September. However, it was Bo Westcombe-Evans who emerged as the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick of tries.
Loughborough established a 24-14 lead at halftime, thanks to tries from Lis Maude, Daisy Hibbert-Jones, and a rapid double by winger Westcombe-Evans.
After the interval, Christine Belisle extended the hosts' advantage. Harlequins responded with tries from Freya Aucken and Sarah Parry, providing renewed hope of a comeback.
Nevertheless, Westcombe-Evans completed her hat-trick, and Carmela Morrall added another try for Lightning. Ella Cromack's late score for Harlequins served as a consolation.
This victory marked Loughborough's first win in six games, elevating them two positions from second-bottom to sixth place ahead of the remaining fixtures this weekend. Harlequins remain in fourth position.
Gloucester-Hartpury defeated Chiefs to reclaim the top spot in the league.
