Kobayashi hat-trick helps Exeter beat Loughborough

Kanako Kobayashi won the Allianz Cup with Exeter Chiefs in 2021-22

Kanako Kobayashi scored a hat-trick of tires to help Exeter Chiefs beat Loughborough Lightning at Sandy Park.

The victory keeps them third in the standings and on track for the season-ending semi-finals.

Loughborough sit fifth and 14 points shy of fourth-placed Bristol Bears after a third loss in four games.

Elsewhere, Sale Sharks' first game at Salford Community Stadium ended in a 26-10 defeat against Ealing Trailfinders.

Tries from Kate Zackery, Rosie Inman and Emma Swords had the Trailfinders leading 19-0 at half time.

Zackery crossed for a second time after the break to ensure a comfortable win against the bottom side in the division.

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