Comprehensive Win For Ireland Women

Ireland secured their first win of the 2012 Women’s RBS 6 Nations thanks to a 40-10 victory over Italy at Ashbourne last night.

It was a well-deserved victory for the hosts, who came agonisingly close against France last time out. They had also led 10-3 against Wales before frost at the County Meath venue called a premature halt to proceedings in the opening round.

The large home attendance were treated to a superb Irish display against a committed but well-beaten Italian side.
The girls in green led from the fifth minute onwards, with towering lock Marie Louise Reilly breaking through for the first try of the night.

Offaly native Niamh Kavanagh claimed the second try for her side in the 14th minute. After being put through by Munster's No. 8 Joy Neville, Kavanagh went over unopposed out wide on the right.

Neville turned from provider to poacher in the 29th minute when grabbing the third try after capitalising on a poor Italian clearance.

With all of these tries converted by Munster's Niamh Briggs, Ireland moved confidently into a 21-0 lead after 30 minutes. Italy bounced back with a Cristina Molic try to ensure a 21-7 scoreline at the break.

A Michela Tondinelli drop goal cut the deficit 15 minutes after the restart. The Italians, who lost to England and France in their opening games, enjoyed a short spell of pressure in the Irish half.

However, Philip Doyle's well-drilled home side showed huge character to add three further tries to their tally. Hard-working scrum half Amy Davis crossed the line in the 62nd minute after some excellent approach play from the strong-running Ailson Miller.

Miller burst forward but was halted 10 metres out by Italian hooker Sara Zanon. However, Ireland recycled quickly and Davis managed to crash over to put Ireland 26-10 ahead.

Kavanagh followed up with her second try in the 72nd minute and second half replacement Jennifer Murphy, one of the newcomers to the squad, added the final try in injury-time to ensure a 30-point winning margin.

Referee: Joyce Henry (Canada)