Ilona Maher: Bristol Bears player scores first try in win at Exeter Chiefs
Ilona Maher’s first try for Bristol Bears helped them to a dramatic 41-31 win over Exeter Chiefs.
The back of the American, He signed a three-month contract with the Bears The month began with her debut as a substitute in last weekend’s loss to Gloucester Hartpury.
She started against the Chiefs, where teammate Phoebe Murray’s field goal gave the Bears the lead.
Liv McGovern then passed for Exeter before the visitors were awarded a penalty, with Reneka Bonner scoring a touchdown.
Tyler Perry’s field goal closed the gap, but Exeter went into halftime trailing 19-14.
Claudia MacDonald equalized with a shot before Bristol restored their lead through Meg Varley’s goal and another penalty.
Maher then scored the first goal off two tackles, while Alex Tessier and McDonald converted for Exeter as Bristol held on to eventually Victory was achieved.
“The team is very welcoming and the learning environment is very cool,” Maher told TNT Sports.
“This is the best team I could have chosen.
“I haven’t played at this level yet, so getting my feet wet is going to help me get into the World Cup and be the best player on Team USA.”
