Bern shines in Red Roses victory over Italy

Having beaten Ireland, France and Wales with a try-scoring bonus-points in the competition, England made it four wins from four in front of a record 10,545 attendance at Sandy Park.

It was a tight affair to begin with until Jess Breach dived over the whitewash on the twelve minute mark, before Lark Davies powered over the line off the back of a strong driving lineout. 

Captain, Sarah Hunter then powered over from close range with a pick and drive for a 21-0 half-time lead.

The bonus-point was secured only a minute into the second half as Sarah Bern continued her fine scoring form as she burst down the blindside off a set piece lineout move and bulldozed her way through three tackles to dot down. 

41' ENG 26 - 0 ITA

What a start to the second half as @SarahLily2468 powers over for the #RedRoses. Con missed.

📲 Watch live now on @SkySports Action or Mix pic.twitter.com/PjnkqyIQ9U

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 9, 2019

Marlie Packer got in on the scoring and crossed before another superbly-controlled driving maul saw Vickii Cornborough go over.

Breach took her tally for the afternoon to two as she showed smart footwork and strength to beat her opposite number and score her seventh try of the tournament.

Forwards, Abbie Scott and Vicky Fleetwood both added scores in the final ten minute to round off an impressive afternoon at Sandy Park for the Red Roses.

Captain Sarah Hunter said: ”We couldn't ask for better support today.”

"We've been working a lot on how we wanted to turn up today and really put on a performance. We didn't have it all our own way today; Italy are a very good side and they showed it today, they kept coming at us.

"The Six Nations is a journey and we have put ourselves in with a good shot next weekend going for the Grand Glam and we are proud of that."