Ireland 0-32 England

Having come within a score of World Cup semi finalists France in their last outing, and with the historic win in Croke Park yesterday, hopes were high that the Ireland Womens team could take inspiration and cause an upset when they lined out against last years Grand Slam winners England in Thomond Park today.  However, Ireland were unable to prevent a rampant England from coming out on top with a five try victory. 

Ireland started brightly, with captain Sarah Jane Belton putting the ball in behind the England defence with superb accuracy to play for territory.  However, Englands physical dominance all over the field and strength in the line out kept Ireland on the defensive.  Englands first try came from winger Susan Day, who was on the end of a counter attack after a kick ahead by Irelands Grace Davitt.  Daly beat two Irish defenders to score their first try which went unconverted.  Shortly after, England missed a kick at goal after Ireland conceded a penalty for being offside, however, out half Katy McLean was on target after 24 minutes after a similar offence by Ireland to stretch Englands lead to 8-0.   

Despite a heroic defence on their own line, Ireland couldnt keep out Georgia Stevens who crossed the line after nine phases of play on the 36 minute mark.  McLeans conversion made it 15-0 at the break. 

After the restart, some fantastic defensive work from Irelands Jo OSullivan prevented a sure try, however Englands scoring prowess continued with scrum half Amy Turner getting Englands third touch down after 43 minutes following a sniping pick and go from the base of an England scrum.  McLean converted to by England 22-0 ahead.  Turner was instrumental in setting up Englands fourth thirteen minutes later, with some great work at the breakdown saw her turn over an Irish ruck, and lightening hands to openside flanker Maggie Alphonsi, the England No. 7, who crossed the line.  Englands final try came 25 minutes into the second half when Danielle Waterman crossed the line after a well worked move by the England back line, however, the conversion was missed. 

The biggest cheer of the day came when Grace Davitt outflanked the English backline after great efforts at the Irish line out saw the ball spread wide to the pacy winger.   Unfortunately the English cover caught Davitt, and Irelands hopes of a score to finish off a gutsy performance were not to be. 

Best for Ireland included the Irish back row, with Orla Brennan impressing, who defended well and spoiled a number of Englands attacks.  While the front five competed in the scrum, they struggled with the sheer physicality of the England side.  However, the midfield of 10, 12 and 13 kept England on their toes with quick ball from the rucks giving them and attacking platform.  With the England attack focused from out wide, Irelands back three, with captain Sarahjane Belton at full back, had plenty to contend with, and couldnt stem the English tide.  However, Belton led from the front displaying a tenacious work rate throughout.   

IRELAND
15. Sarahjane Belton Captain (UL Bohemian), 14. Jeannette Feighery (UL Bohemian), 13. Lynne Cantwell (Richmond), 12. Shannon Houston (Blackrock), 11. Grace Davitt (Blackrock), 10. Jo OSullivan (Richmond), 9.   Louise Beamish (UL Bohemian), 1.   Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemian), 2.   Jess Limbert (Cooke), 3.   Marie Barrett (Highfield), 4.   Caroline Mahon (UL Bohemian), 5.   Germaine Healy (Rathdrum), 6.   Eimear OSullivan (Clonakilty), 7    Sinead Ryan (Navan), 8.   Orla Brennan (Blackrock)
Replacement:

Laura Guest (Clonakilty) for Marie Barrett

ENGLAND
15. Charlotte Barras, 14. Sue Day, 13. Claire Allan, 12. Rachel Burford, 11. Danielle Waterman, 10. Katy McClean, 9. Amy Turner, 1. Venessa Gray, 2. Amy Garnett, 3. Katy Storie, 4. Tamara Taylor, 5. Jo McGilchrist, 6. Georgia Stevens, 7. Maggie Alphonsi, 8. Catherine Spencer
Replacements:
Sophie Hemming for Gray (40), Sarah Beale for Spencer (58), Emma Layland for Garnett (65), Sarah Hunter for Alphonsi (65), Michaela Staniford for Allan (65), Karen Andrew for McLean (73)