Red Roses secure hat-trick of titles

EMILY SCARRATT kicked a late penalty to seal England’s third Women’s Six Nations title in a row with a hard-fought final win against France.

- SAM JACKSON

Both sides were kept scoreless for most of the first half before Poppy Cleall’s try put England ahead at the break.

Caroline Drouin cut England’s lead to one with two penalties and France kept up relentless, heavy pressure.

The Red Roses’ defence held firm and they were rewarded with the Scarratt penalty to seal the title.

England captain Scarratt said: “It doesn’t need to be big flamboyant scorelines every week.

“The defence was unreal and we had to dig in. I could have made it easier with a couple of penalties in the first half, but I’m really proud of the effort. The desire to not let them over the tryline was superb.”

Despite sunny conditions for England and France’s impressive attacks to shine, it was the defences who stole the limelight as both sides struggled to make an impact in the opposition 22.

The Red Roses had two penalties in the first quarter and Scarratt missed both, despite the second being almost in front of the posts.