Wales bounce back in style

Wales led 18-6 at the break and went on to secure a well-deserved win despite conceding a try to the hard-working Italians in the second half.

The Italians had scored their points through the boot of the reliable Veronica Schiavon but poor discipline meant they had two players sin-binned making any hope of a fight-back even more difficult.

Wales half-time lead came due to tries by Elen Evans and Clare Flowers. Immediately after the break centre Naomi Thomas touched down to put Wales firmly in control at 25-6.

Thomas, who had an influential game in her new position after switching from fly half, scored Wales's fourth try after plucking a neat inside flick by winger Caryl James out of thin air.

Italy flanker Michaela Esta burrowed over in the 65th minute for the visitors but the Azzurri were unable to penetrate the Welsh defence for the rest of the game.

The remaining points for Wales came via the boot of scrum half Laura Prosser who banged over two conversions and two penalties.

Evans, making her first start of the championship after recovering from a dislocated elbow, brought stability to the midfield and her partnership with Thomas proved a constant threat to the Italians.

Italy's heavier pack made a few early inroads but they were visibly wilting as the match progressed. The wide open expanse of the Millennium Stadium pitch suited Wales's game with both wingers Caryl James and Philippa Tuttiett looking dangerous every time they got the ball.

A delighted Wales skipper Bowden said: "The girls were determined to bounce back after last week's disappointing showing. We showed today what we can do. The backs scored three of the four tries and looked dangerous on a number of occasions.

"We had to soak up a lot of pressure early on but we expected them to come at us. Hopefully we can now use this as a springboard for next week's game against France at Pandy Park."

Wales:Rosie Fletcher, Caryl James, Elen Evans, Naomi Thomas, Philippa Tuttiett, Mared Evans, Laura Prosser; Caryl Thomas, Rhian Bowden (Capt), Jenny Davies, Clare Flowers, Shona Powell-Hughes, Lisa Newton, Sioned Harries, Jamie Kift.Subs: Lowri Harries, Megan York, Vicky Owens, Sian Williams, Amy Day, Rebecca de Filippo, Aimee Young

Italy:Manuela FURLAN, Chiara Castellarin, Michela SILLARI, Paola Zangirolami, Mary Dorothy VERONESE, Veronica SCHIAVON, Sara Barattin, Silvia GAUDINO, Juliana 7 BELL, Michela Este, Cristina MOLIC,Flavia SEVERIN , Lucia JHA , Sara ZANON, Elisa CUCCHIELLASubs:Deborah BALLARINI, Melissa BETTONI, Alice Trevisan, Sara Pettinelli, Mary Clare NESPOLI, Vanessa Chindamo, STEFAN Sofia (Valsugana Rugby, 2 caps)