England overcame Italy 29-15 at Twickenham Stoop to preserve their unbeaten start to the Six Nations, but the win was marred by a red card for Katy Mclean.
A hat-trick of tries from hooker Vicky Fleetwood and one each from wings Amy Wilson Hardy and Kay Wilson helped the Red Roses secure a bonus-point victory despite being reduced to 13 players in the second half.
Replacement fly-half Mclean was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle and England then saw Poppy Cleall sent to the sin bin for the same offence.
Italy's tries came from wing Sofia Stefan, scrum-half Sara Barattin and full-back Manuela Furlan, but England safely saw out their third win in the championship.
Head coach Simon Middleton said: "Full marks to our players at the end, they showed fantastic character when they were down to 13 with eight minutes left on the clock."
Source: PA
