Fleet-footed Vicky stars with hat-trick
VICKY Fleetwood scored an impressive hat-trick as England women sealed their third bonus-point victory of the Six Nations after defeating Italy at the Twickenham Stoop yesterday.
Kay Wilson and Amy Wilson-Hardy also scored tries with centre Emily Scarratt adding two conversions to take her tally for the competition to 28 points.
Italy grabbed three tries of their own through wing Sofia Stefan, scrum-half Sara Barattin and fullback Manuela Furlan.
The bonus point win moves England to the top of the Six Nations table ahead of Ireland’s clash with France in Dublin today.
“It was frustrating at times, but credit to Italy – they were outstanding,” said England women’s head coach Simon Middleton.
“Full marks to our players at the end, they showed fantastic character when they were down to 13 with eight minutes left on the clock. Italy were in the ascendancy but we defended for our lives and with a great deal of discipline and shape.
“Vicky is a great athlete, she’s waited patiently in the wings and showed her versatility today when she went into the back row. She’s a great player and we’re blessed to have her.”
Italy had started with a bang and took the lead after just four minutes when Stefan dived on Manuela Furlan’s grubber kick through in the corner.
The Red Roses responded 10 minutes later when Scarratt offloaded to Wilson and Wilson-Hardy then crossed on the other wing to take her side into the lead at the end of the first quarter.
Fleetwood scored the third and fourth tries for England in the space of five minutes to seal the try bonus point after 31 minutes, both on the back of powerful catch and drives.
Five minutes after the break, the Saracens hooker scored her third of the match from another catch and drive with the Italy pack struggling to contain England’s rolling maul.
Italy had their second try after 56 minutes when Barattin pounced on Furlan’s kick through and the Aylesford Bulls fullback scored one of her own eight minutes from time.
The Red Roses ended the match with 14 players after replacement Katy Mclean was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle.
And they were reduced to 13 players in the 68th minute when Poppy Cleall was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle – but it didn’t change the outcome of the game.