England Women beat Ireland in second Autumn International
Saturday 14 November 2015 18:39, UK
England Women edged out Ireland 8-3 in their second Autumn International at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.
Izzy Noel-Smith's 79th-minute try proved the difference between the two sides in a low scoring encounter in London.
England, the current Women's Rugby World Cup champions, entered the match on the back of a disappointing 11-0 defeat to France last weekend.
However, Simon Middleton's side bounced back to record an impressive victory against this year's Six Nations winners.
England's Lauren Cattell and Ireland's Niamh Briggs traded penalties earlier in the match to leave the two sides locked at 3-3 going into the final stages.
The hosts then won a penalty with five minutes remaining and elected to go for touch rather than kick for goal.
The decision proved to be correct, with Noel-Smith crossing the whitewash following a driving maul to hand England a vital win.
