SPORT IN BRIEF
Miller stars in stunning upset
RUGBY: The outstanding Alison Miller was the star of the show in Ashbourne RFC yesterday afternoon as Ireland pulled off a major scalp in the RBS Women’s Six Nations with a spectacular 25-0 triumph over three in-a-row Grand Slam Champions England in a truly unforgettable display.
Philip Doyle’s Ireland capitalised on excellent early pressure in the English half by securing the opening try of the contest after seven minutes, when promising approach play by Niamh Briggs put the pacy Miller through in the left corner.
Briggs was narrowly off target with the conversion, but with the holders struggling to settle into the proceedings, UL’s Briggs increased the Irish advantage with a 16th-minute penalty. England did briefly
threaten to impose themselves on the play, but Connacht star Miller registered further five-pointers in the 25th and 35th minutes, respectively, to give Ireland an astonishing 20-0 cushion at the midway point.
Ireland kept it up in the second half, with Briggs breaking from the right wing to grab their fourth try of the game, giving Ireland a 25-point advantage and allowing them to ease towards a victory that gives
them an excellent chance of sealing top honours.