Worcester players feature in shock rugby defeat for England women (From Worcester News)

Worcester players feature in shock rugby defeat for England women

8:02pm Sunday 10th February 2013 in Sport

ENGLAND women were unable to make it two consecutive wins in the Six Nations, going down 25-0 against Ireland in Ashbourne.

A hat-trick from wing Alison Miller and a well-taken try from full-back Niamh Briggs were the difference, while the latter added five points with the boot.

Worcester’s Ceri Large and Rochelle Clark started for England at fly-half and prop respectively, while Laura Keates came on as a replacement.

Richmond wing Fiona Pocock, making just her second international appearance since 2010, was forced off on a stretcher as the game drew to a close.

Meanwhile, England under 20s suffered a 16-15 defeat against Ireland in Athlone after a late try from wing Rory Scholes was converted by centre Tom Daly.

The visitors were down to 14 men from the 22nd minute when Gloucester flanker Ross Moriarty was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on scrum-half Luke McGrath.

Exeter Chiefs fly-half Henry Slade scored all of England’s points with five penalties but it was not enough in front of a partisan crowd.

Worcester’s Ben Howard started at full-back and his opposite number Robbie Henshaw was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on him.

North Midlands must find a new date for their National Under 20 Championship pool match against Gloucestershire after a waterlogged pitch at Cinderford forced a postponement.