Veteran Peat lays foundation for victory

IRELAND moved up to second in the women’s Six Nations table with a hardfought win in Dublin.

Melissa Bettoni opened the scoring for Italy but Ireland led at the break thanks to scores from Lindsay Peat and the returning Claire Molloy, with a late penalty try sealing the win.

Ireland’s build-up was disrupted after full-back Eimear Considine and prop Laura Feely were ruled out after inconclusive Covid-19 tests.

Italy, who stunned Ireland in Rome in 2019, came flying out of the blocks desperate Irish defence denying them an early scoe.

But from an attacking lineout, powerful flanker Giada Franco burst through three tackles and set up hooker Bettoni, who powered over the Irish line.

Beibhinn Parsons looked certain to score for Ireland but fumbled the ball with the try line gaping.

Despite the missed opportunity and a further chance squandered by lock Nicola Fryday, Ireland got on the board when Peat barged her way over from a rolling maul.

Just 12 days shy of her 40th birthday, the prop took on two Italy defenders before touching down.

Ireland pressed for their second try before the break, with Sheehan scythed down in the Italy 22 but Molloy, winning her 70th cap after returning from a sabbatical, rounded out a superb team try.

A handling error from Sheehan stopped a try-scoring opportunity in the second half and illdiscipline at the breakdown cost Ireland again after Molloy made a break into the Italy 22, but Fryday entered the ruck from the side. Pressure finally told though with a penalty try from a scrum making the game safe.

Ireland are six points behind England in the table with next week’s final game away to France.