Alicia Maude sprung into action with ball in hand, scoring on her first attack, to give England a perfect start. Heather Cowell grabbed England’s second moments later, pouncing on a Poland mistake and dotting down under the sticks, and Ellie Boatman bagged another on the stroke of half time.
Koldej and Lachowska scored tries edging Poland back into the match in the second half, but staunch England defence thwarted last ditch efforts, and a Grace Crompton try in the final play sealed the deal. Earlier in the day England had lost 38-7 to Ireland.
On day two England narrowly lost their Cup quarter-final tie against the USA. After going behind early, they replied through Boatman who finished well, following some fine play from Emma Uren. The US went ahead again, but Megan Jones scored immediately from the restart, thanks to a fine catch and turn and drive towards the try line. A late Uren score was a consolation.
Earlier that day England recorded their first win in Malaga against Brazil. They started positively and got their reward when a quickly taken penalty by Maude set up Jones to run in a comfortable try in the corner.
Jones was the architect of the second score beating two players before setting up Boatman. Uren scored the third try of the match shortly after coming off the bench, before a fine team try was finished by substitute Kelly Smith, as England ran out 24-10 winners.
England were beaten 24-14 against Russia in their second pool match. Tries from Abi Burton and England Sevens debutant Tatyana Heard weren’t enough to overcome Russia who scored four tries to secure victory.
England were beaten 33-17 in their opening match in Malaga despite several moments of magic from Jones. Co-captain Abbie Brown scored England’s opening try of the competition followed by tries from Compton and a brilliant individual effort from Jones but it wasn’t enough to beat France who scored five tries.
Squad
Ellie Boatman
Abbie Brown (C)
Abi Burton
Heather Cowell
Grace Crompton
Tatyana Heard
Megan Jones (C)
Alicia Maude
Chantelle Miell
Isla Norman-Bell
Kelly Smith
Georgina Tasker
Emma Uren
Results
France 33-17 England
Russia 24-14 England
Brazil 10-24 England
USA 22-17 England
Ireland 38-7 England
Poland 10-22 England
With thanks to England Rugby
