FORMER Salisbury and Ellingham and Ringwood rugby star Poppy Cleall, scored her first international try for England as they beat Italy 42-7 in the opening game of the Women's Six Nations.

The 25-year-old was also named as Player of the Match, as England started their defence of their crown in the best possible fashion.

Cleall from Alderholt is a lock, and was delighted to score her first international try, finishing off a flowing move in the right-hand corner to put daylight between the teams with England's third score of the game.

Cleall said: "It's always good to get over the whitewash, it was my first try in an England shirt so it was a very proud moment for me.To do it in front of a big crowd, it's really special."

Cleall scored was one of seven that England scored, but the Red Roses did not have all their own way in Reggio Emilia. in a 42-7 victory.

Sarah Bern crossed off the back of an impressive driving maul after six minutes, but Italy were level just before half-time when Valentina Ruzza went over from close range, as the game was finely poised at 7-7.

England pulled away after the break with fly half Katy Daley-Mclean's simple penalty starting the scoring as the Red Roses regained the lead.

Captain Sarah Hunter was at the back of another maul and collapsed over the line, before Cleall finished a flowing move on the right for England's third.

Abigail Dow scored her sixth try for the bonus-point score, Hunter's second came off a powerful short run, Ellie Kildunne burst through for the sixth, before Hunter scored her hat-trick off the back of a disrupted scrum.

This Saturday, England continue their quest to retain their crown, when Wales are the visitors to the the Stoop at Twickenham. The game kicks off at 12.15pm and will be shown on Sky

Cleall family will travel up from Alderholt to cheer her and England team mates on hoping for another try and victory

Away from England, Cleall current plays in the Premiership for the league leaders Saracens alongside her twin sister Bryony and has scored 14 tries for Saracens this season.

The 25-year-old also won the Salisbury Journal Rugby Player of the Year at last year's ceremony.