Sport

Rugby Union: Thrashing For Army Women Against Young England Stars

The Army Women's rugby union side has been put to the sword by the England women's under 20 team in Aldershot.

Brooke Clarke scored a hat-trick for the young internationals during the 44-0, eight-try demolition.

The England stars had difficult conditions to contend with but nevertheless overpowered their hosts in the annual meeting.

But as the Army struggled to get a foothold the junior Red Roses displayed enough evidence to suggest the women's game has a bright future.

Despite putting up a good fight, England continued to exploit the Army's defensive frailties.

First Worcester winger Brooke Clarke showed off her sprinting skills before scrum-half Tamzin Bricknell put her in the clear for her second try of the night.

Saracens prop Ellena Perry was next on the scoresheet, slicing through would-be tacklers and putting her side 20 points to the good.

With the Army spending the majority of the match deep in their own half, it was no surprise to see England add a fifth try.

There was still time before the break for Clarke to complete her hat-trick though.

One of nine sisters, she seemed certain to score for each of her siblings.

A much-improved effort from the Army in the second half restricted England to just two further tries. Murray capped her under 20s debut with a second try, ghosting in for a converted effort.

Michaela Roberts concluded the try scoring. The Loughborough Lightning player galloped to the line to complete the convincing win.

It was a comprehensive victory for the visitors but the Army remain upbeat for the remainder of the season. Captain Gemma Rowland told us:

"We stick together as a squad. There won’t be any point now where we let people drop their heads. There were mistakes from 1-23, but there were positives as well.

"We'll focus on moving forward, but hopefully we’ll build from here."

Next up for the Army are the illustrious invitational team the Barbarians. That game will be played in Aldershot on March 17.