Early burst puts England on way to Ireland victory – Six Nations Women’s Rugby

from Women’s Six Nations:

Flanker Maggie Alphonsi and centre Emily Scarratt crossed in the opening stages before full-back Claire Allan and replacement Amy Turner rounded off the victory in the second half in a match marred by terrible conditions at Esher.

Ireland replied through Kate O’Loughlin’s try but it was not enough to stop the English juggernaut who now face trips to Scotland and France as they bid to win their fourth Grand Slam in five years.

The game was just four minutes old, when experienced back-rower Alphonsi, back in the side after sitting out the victory over Italy, was at the back of a maul to power her way over.

And two minutes later they further extended their lead when Heath Fisher won turnover ball before feeding Scaratt whose perfect running line enabled to slash her way through the Irish defence.

Katy McLean kicked her only conversion of the match to give the home side a 12-0 lead but as the half progressed Ireland enjoyed their best spell of the match.

In the wet conditions, the visitors opted to keep the ball in the hands of the forwards and the policy paid dividends as Loughlin found herself at the back of a maul to score the first points of the Championship against England.

It was no surprise with the weather that defences generally held sway for the remainder of the first half but England were able to add to their total midway through the second.

Again a maul was employed to suck in Irish defenders leaving the backs with the space they needed to send Allan over and take England two scores clear.

The final try came with 11 minutes remaining, Ireland were again caught short defensively as Rachel Burford and Scarratt superbly combined to send Turner in to round off the victory.

For a full schedule of all the 2010 Six Nations action, go here. For travel packages to England for the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup, go here.