WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL

The England Women secured a comprehensive 48-0 victory over France in their first competitive outing under Steve McCormack at Odsal Stadium on Friday evening. In difficult conditions, England dominated throughout and rarely looked troubled by the visitors who struggled to cope with England’s dominance.

England took an early lead through winger Hannah Bairstowe, who crossed over in the corner on the five minute mark after some quick passing from her inside backs, before Kirsty Moroney added a second four-pointer shortly after.

An excellently struck conversion from the left boot of Tara Stanley extended the lead to 10-0. Emily Rudge powered her way over with five minutes remaining in the half to take the sides into the interval with the score line reading a comfortable 16-0.

Two minutes into the second half and England extended the lead when Stanley was put through after some well worked passing moved the ball from right to left. Player of the match Gemma Walsh got on the score sheet on the 50 minute mark when she dived over from close range and then, after being twice held up on the line, captain Emma Slowe spun in the tackle to touch down under the posts.

Rudge crossed for her second of the match on the 60 mark when she was on the end of a perfectly weighted pass from Walsh before interchange Danielle Bound added another 15 minutes from the end.

Moroney then added her second minutes before the final whistle to cap a magnificent 48-0 victory.

Pictured: Emma Slowe touches down.

ENGLAND WOMEN
Tara Stanley, Lauren Stallwood, Amy Hardcastle, Jodie Cunningham, Hannah Bairstow, Gemma Walsh, Kirsty Moroney, Emma Slowe (c), Lois Forsell, Andrea Dobson, Holly Freestone, Emily Rudge, Kim Field. Subs: Danielle Bound, Rebecca Williams, Clare Robinson, Rachel Twibill

FRANCE FEMENIN
Sonia Benchoug, Angelique Degas, Lauraine Guigue, Hayate Choukri, Gaelle Delas, Elisa Ciria, Sonia Zaghdoudi, Maud Signoret, Elise Labrunie, Audrey Pene (c), Estelle Fauvelle, Delphine Lacoste, Virgine Calvo, Anais Mikalef, Coralie Mauroudar, Mira M’Raidi, Houita Benchoug