from Letchworth Girls' Rugby:
The final game of this season's Six Nations promised to be a bit of a damp squib, on paper at least -a game where the only question was whether France could beat Italy by 36 or more and thus avoid their worst ever Six Nations finish. However, as we have come to expect this season, it turned out to be a cracker, and came within six minutes of being possibly the most incredible result of an extraordinary championship.
Because it seems that Italy dominated almost the entire game. A try in the fourteenth minute of the first half gave Italy the lead. France pulled level on 28 minutes, but Italy were soon ahead again and went into the break 10-7 ahead.
And so the score remained as the second half wore on, neither side apparently able to break through until with only six minutes left Chrouki finally broke through for France, her try being converted to give the visitors a 14-10 win.
Thus ends an amazing competition, with France in particular a greater enigma than ever before. Losing to Ireland, blown away by England, almost beaten by Italy but also sublime and magnificent against Wales - England's conquerors. Who'd be a French rugby coach
Six Nations 2009: Final table
England completed their defence of the Six Nations with a massive win over Scotland today. 72-3 - England's biggest ever win over Scotland, and Scotland's second worst defeat in all internationals - and a clear indication that the reunited England team are back on form.
Again it was the former sevens squad members who dominated, Kathy Merchant (4 tries), Charlotte Barras (3) and Sarah Beale (2) scoring nine of England's 12 tries. England already had a comfortable lead of 29-0 at half time, but did not relax and after the break tore Scotland apart.
Full RFUW report here.
However, the match of the day was expected to be at the other end of the M4, and so it proved. The contest for second place in the championship was a titanic one, and a highlight was due to be the battle of the kickers - Briggs vs Evans, youth vs experience.
However it was prop Jenny Davies who gave Wales the perfect start with a try in the second minute. Evans converted, and then added a penalty to give Wales a 10-0 lead after only 10 minutes. Ireland had barely visited the Welsh half, but as soon as they did Briggs then showed what she could do with a penalty to reduce the margin to a single score. Ten minutes later Briggs had an identical chance - but crucially missed it - allowing Wales to go in at half-time with the score unchanged at 10-3.
Within eight minutes of the restart Ireland were level with a try from Shannon Houston, but when a sinbinning reduced Ireland to 14 players Wales took advantage with pressure resulting in a penalty for Non Evans which she converted to give Wales a 13-10 lead. Ireland continued to look threatening, but Wales defended well and after a long-range kick from Briggs was missed Wales managed to hold on for another memorable win.
Wales are therefore assured of second place for the third time in four years, and also their first ever Triple Crown. Ireland currently sit in third where they will remain unless France can beat Italy by 36 points or more tomorrow.
WRU Match report.
IRFU match report.
NYRC was scheduled to play Chicago North Shore on May 2nd for our Family Day on Randall's Island. Unfortunately, they recently cancelled on us due to player commitments with the Midwest and we've been looking to schedule another game, but obviously, many teams are booked up.
Keystone Premiership Team
ScrumQueens
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