By Ali Donnelly
England A and Spain look almost certain to contest the final of this year's women's rugby European Trophy as both came through their second round games with victories. England had no trouble disposing of Holland with a 36-0 while Spain had to do it the harder way with a 12-11 victory over France, much to the delight of the home crowd. There were also wins for Sweden and Italy.
With England likely to be too strong for Russia and with Spain favourites to beat Sweden in the next round, those two sides look set to challenge for the title in the final later this week although a slip for Spain could see France through as they will be too strong for Finland in their final game.
England’s victory came courtesy of a powerful first half performance in which they scored all their points. Having made ten changes to the starting line up from the side who struggled to beat Italy in game one, head coach Mike Barnett’s team were hugely impressive in the first 40 minutes with tries Nicola Hoole, Marlie Packer, Kay Wilson, Natasha Hunt and Tamara Taylor.
However Holland were much better defensively in the second period, holding England out for a scoreless half.
Spain’s win over France in front of a good home crowd, went right down to the wire. The home side were 5-11 down at halftime but a late score saw them through for their second win.
France got off to a good start with a penalty from Laura Di Muzio, but Spain hit back with a try in their first attack in France’s 22. Aroa González, came off a maul to touch down. Di Muzio then put France back in the lead with another penalty and ten minutes before the break, a French try gave them an 11-5 lead into half time.
After the break Spain upped the tempo in a tense 40 minutes. Ten minutes from the end Spain had a lineout and when it was brought down illegally a penalty try was awarded and the conversion from Marina Bravo gave Spain the lead.
France had a chance to win it with a penalty in the last minute but it deflected to the right and the home side hung on for a huge victory.
Elsewhere Sweden beat Finland 20-0 and Italy recorded a 34-0 victory over Russia.
Women's Euros Day Two Results: Spain 12 France 11; England 36 Holland 0; Sweden 20 Finland 0; Italy 34 Russia 0.
