England Women keep Grand Slam bid on track

England Women made it three Six Nations wins from as many matches as they beat Ireland 13-9 at Twickenham to top the table.

Hooker Emma Croker and lock Abbie Scott both scored tries and fly-half Amber Reed kicked a penalty in England's triumph, with full-back Niamh Briggs kicking three penalties for the visitors.

England had beaten Scotland 32-0 and Italy 33-24 and had to come from behind to defeat Ireland.

Reed opened the scoring with a penalty after nine minutes and then Croker extended the advantage when she touched down from the back of a rolling maul.

Reed failed with the conversion attempt and Briggs brought Ireland back into the match after 35 minutes with her first penalty before kicking a second just before half-time to cut the home side's lead to 8-6.

Eight minutes into the second half Briggs kicked a third penalty to edge her side 9-8 ahead.

England's indiscipline cost them further 10 minutes later when back-row forward Harriet Millar-Mills was sent to the sin bin.

But despite being a player short England were back in the lead four minutes later when Scott went over from close range.

Reed dragged the conversion wide and also missed an ambitious penalty with 12 minutes to go but England had done enough for a 13-9 win.