England Women (12) 22
Tries: Alphonsi, Scarratt, Allan, Turner Cons: McLean
Ireland Women (5) 5
Tries: O'Loughlin

England Women remain on course to retain their Six Nations crown after beating Ireland at Esher.

In wet and muddy conditions, England took the lead after just four minutes when Maggie Alphonsi powered over.

Emily Scarratt carved through Ireland's defence for the second try two minutes later but the visitors responded thanks to a try from Kate O'Loughlin.

Claire Allan and replacement Amy Turner went over in the second half to secure England's third victory in a row.

England beat Wales 31-0 and Italy 41-0 in their first two Six Nations matches and face Scotland on 13 March in their next game.

England: Fiona Pocock, Katherine Merchant, Emily Scarratt, Alice Richardson, Michaela Staniford, Katy Mclean, La Toya Mason, Rochelle Clark, Amy Garnett, Sophie Hemming, Tamara Taylor, Joanna McGilchrist, Heather Fisher, Margaret Alphonsi, Catherine Spencer (capt). Replacements: Samantha Reeve, Claire Purdy, Rebecca Essex, Jane Leonard, Amy Turner, Rachael Burford, Claire Allan.

Ireland: Niamh Briggs, Nora Stapleton, Joanne O'Sullivan, Shannon Houston, Amy Davis, Helen Brosnan, Tania Rosser; Fiona Coghlan (capt), Chris Fanning, Lauren Day, Kate O'Loughlin, Marie Louise Reilly, Orla Brennan, Claire Molloy, Joy Neville. Replacements: Gillian Bourke, Emer McManamly, Louise Austin, Carol Staunton, Louise Beamish, Grace Davitt, Alison Miller.

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