World champions England kept their slim Six Nations hopes alive after thrashing Scotland 42-13 in last night’s showpiece in Darlington.
Mowden Park Sharks trio Katy McClean, Tamara Taylor and Ruth Laybourn all started on their home ground, as England got their stuttering campaign back on track.
Despite lifting the World Cup in Paris in August 2014, it’s been a disappointing Six Nations campaign so far for England after consecutive away defeats to Wales and Ireland.
But a strong showing in front of 7,620 fans will do much to lift the team’s spirits ahead of next weekend’s final match with tournament favourites France.
England were on the front foot straight from captain McLean’s kick-off, which was spilled forward by Scotland lock Emma Wassell.
From the resulting scrum, England spread the ball out wide and Mowden Park winger Laybourn was on hand to score her first of three tries - with only 54 seconds on the clock.
Scotland hit back with a Lisa Martin penalty, but England vice-captain Taylor then powered through to help England into a commanding 10-3 lead.
Just before the half hour mark, England won a penalty and opted for the lineout rather than taking the three points.
And that decision paid off as a clean throw resulted in prop Justine Lucas driving over the line for England’s third try.
The hosts grabbed their fourth try on 36 minutes as Rochelle Clark drove over - and it was already a case of damage limitation for Scotland.
On 49 minutes England extended their advantage through Fiona Pocock, but straight up the other end a knock-on by Ceri Large fell perfectly for Scotland winger Eilidh Sinclair - and the visitors drew to within 12 points.
Shortly before the hour mark Laybourn touched down for her second score of the game, and Lydia Thompson also got on the scoresheet.
England ended the game with 14 men after McLean sent to the sin bin for persistent offending.
But Laybourn’s hat-trick in the final minute capped off a terrific result.
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