Women's Six Nations Championship - England 22 Ireland 5:IRELAND SUFFERED their second defeat in this year's Six Nations championship when they were outscored by four tries to one by England at Esher yesterday afternoon. But after being rocked by two tries in the opening six minutes they recovered well to dominate the second quarter and trailed by just 12-5 at the interval.

A pushover try from Maggie Alphonsi soon followed by the only converted try of the afternoon, from centre Emily Scarratt, left Ireland with a mountain to climb against a team who had not conceded a point in their opening two games. But Ireland deservedly played their way back into contention when centre Shannon Houston scored a try after 17 minutes. Lock Mary Louise Reilly was particularly prominent in the lineout and it was her pick and take that set up the try-scoring opportunity.

For the remainder of Ireland’s possession went unrewarded as England pressure in third quarter resulted in fullback Rochelle Clark getting the decisive third try just before the hour mark. Then a breakaway try from England replacement Amy Turner was cruel on Ireland’s brave effort in what was their 100th competitive match.

Scorers: England– Tries: M Alfonsi 4 mins, E Scarratt 6 mins, R Clark 57 mins, A Turner 65 mins. Con: K McLean 6 mins. Ireland– Try: S Houston 17mins.

IRELAND:N Briggs; N Stapleton, J OSullivan, S Houston (G Davitt) 62, A Davis (A Miller) 68; H Brosnan, T Rosser (L Beamish) 75; F Coughlin (L Austin) 68, C Fanning (G Burke) 67, L Day (K McManamly) 65; K OLoughlin, Mary Louise Reilly; O Brennan (C Stainton) 68, C Molloy, J Nevill.

ENGLAND:F Pocock; K Merchant (R Essex) 66, E Scarratt, A Richardson (R Burford) 45, M Staniford; K McLean, L Mason (A Turner) 45; R Clark (C Allen) 66, A Garnett (C Purdy) 66, S Hemming; T Taylor, J McGilcrist (S Reeve) 66; H Fisher (J Leonard) 52, M Alphonsi, C Spencer.

Referee:S Marrama (FIR).