Seventh title for record-breaking England

Remarkably England also ended the tournament as the first side ever in this competition to win it without conceding a try. For the remaining teams there is work to be done to try and halt Englands continuing grip on this title, but Ireland, when they are over their disappointment, can be very pleased with the steps they are making.

In the end, three games in three weeks took its toll on a brave Irish effort as late in the game Englands outstanding strength and fitness helped them through having withstood one od the toughest games they have faced all year.

Ireland were first to put some points on the board with centre Niamh Briggs converting a fourth minute penalty after excellent work from Joy Neville and Claire Molloy at the breakdown.

It was a deserved early lead for the Irish who showed positive intent to play a wide game with the back three of Ashleigh Baxter, Niamh Kavanagh and Alison Miller all involved early on.

Both sides in fact looked to play an expansive game early on with Kat Merchant on Englands wing looking particularly dangerous with some early mazy runs. A good break down one wing with Emily Scarratt and Katy McLean involved helped England then win their first shot at goal with McLean bringing the game to 3-3.

Crucial tackles from Briggs and Baxter were needed to halt England as they got their attack going, and Merchant again punctured the Irish defence with a dazzling break.

The two kickers then exchanged penalties again before the half to make it 6-6 at the break.

The second half started off with the same high intensity and Irelands defence continued to impress as England began to dominate possession but the hosts went ahead with a long range effort from Scarratt sailed over.

Ireland then suffered a hammer-blow when they conceded a try going into the last quarter of the game when McLean showed some deft footwork to make a clean break and dive over and score and convert for a vital 10 point gap.

It was a momentum-swinging try as England grew in confidence from the score and Ireland, despite the best efforts in attack from the likes of Grace Davitt and Sophie Spence, couldnt make their time on the ball count.

Three games in three weeks seemed to catch up with Ireland as the game wore on as they conceded a number of penalties in defence but both Scarratt and McLean missed their shots at goal.

It didnt matter though because sustained pressure in Irelands 22 saw their defence worn and replacement hooker Amy Turner, who had just come on, but the game beyond Ireland as she barged her way over the try line with the help of her pack on 72 minutes. McLean added the conversion handing England a 23-6 lead.

Despite the clock ticking down Ireland continued to battle hard and had their chance in the dying minutes with a scrum in Englands 22. But the home sides defence was solid.