Ireland romped to a 39 – 7 win against Spain in the Six Nations warm up match at Ashbourne RFC earlier this afternoon.

Ireland’s scored six tries with Niamh Kavanagh, Alison Miller (2), Stacey Lea Kennedy, Sophie Spence and Ashleigh Baxter all crossing the line. Niamh Briggs added three conversions and a penalty.

Despite the cold conditions making handling difficult the Irish girls looked to run the ball at every opportunity and the home side got an early reward when a break by Briggs was taken on by the powerful Kavanagh who went over in the corner. Briggs converted to give Ireland a 7 – 0 lead.

Spain responded well putting Ireland under pressure for the next 10 minutes and they got their reward when Laura Esbr cut inside the Irish defence to cross under the posts. Marina Bravo added the extras to tie the game at 7 – 7.

With the game uncapped both sides employed rotating subs and Ireland came out on top after the first rotation with Miller going over in the corner to take the score to 12 – 7 after good work from the newly arrived Kennedy.

Ireland ended the first half on top but only managed to add a Briggs penalty before the break, the teams turning round with the score reading Ireland 15 Spain 7.

Miller went over for her second try early in the second half moving the score to 20 – 7 and the Spanish side appeared to be struggling with the conditions as flurries of snow arrived.

The home team went further ahead after a classic lineout catch and drive. Hooker Kennedy delivered the perfect throw and was on hand to touch down after an impressive driving maul from the Ireland pack. Briggs converted and the game was over as a contest with Ireland leading 27 – 7.

The game went through a series of stops and starts as both teams looked at all their players but Ireland finished off in some style with another driving maul leading to a Spence score, converted by Briggs, and moments later winger Baxter showed great strength and pace to brush off the defence and sprint for the corner for Ireland’s sixth try.

Final score: Ireland 39 Spain 7. 

Ireland Squad: Ailis Egan, Alison Miller, Amy Davis, Ashleigh Baxter, Ashling Hutchings, Claire Molloy, Fiona Coghlan, Fiona Hayes, Gillian Bourke, Grace Davitt, Heather O’Brien, Jenny Murphy, Joy Neville, Larissa Muldoon, Laura Guest, Lauren Day, Leigh Dargan, Lynne Cantwell, Marie Louise Reilly, Niamh Briggs, Niamh Kavanagh, Nicole Fitzgerald, Shannon Houston, Siobhan Fleming, Sophie Spence, Stacey Lea Kennedy

Spain Squad: Julia Pla, Burta Garcia, Marina Bravo, Elisabet Martinez, Laura Esbr, Vanesa Rial, Patricia Garcia, Maria Sequedo, Aran Gonzalez, Elane Redondo, Lin Bailan, Marie Ribera, Marie Casado, Angela Del Pan, Ana Maria Aigneren, Isabel Rico, Raquel Santiago, Saioa Jaurena, Arnets Castrejana, Anna Arnav, Elena Roca, Marta Cabane, Irene Schiavon, Magdalena Perez, Diane Easso, Lourdes Alameda