Bryony Cleall has won the Women’s Six Nations Try of Round 1 prize for her finish to a superb England counter-attack as they defeated Scotland 52-10 in Doncaster.
Your votes saw the Red Roses prop take the first award of this year’s Championship with 47% of the public vote, just edging out France debutant Emilie Boulard (40%).
Cleall’s teammate Jess Breach finished third for her magnificent effort against Scotland with 10% of the vote while France’s Emeline Gros received 3% for her first try against Wales.
“We’re so proud of her”: Bryony Cleall completes fairytale comeback
The award caps off a special return for Cleall, who was making just her second appearance for her country 26 months after coming off the bench for her debut in 2019.
Saturday’s game at Castle Park was also Cleall’s first start for her country, having experienced a series of injury setbacks which have kept the 28-year-old out of the international fold.
But just like she did on her debut in the Championship two years ago against Ireland, the prop once again showed a nose for the tryline as she dotted down one of her side’s eight scores.
It came just after the half-hour mark, starting when England turned the ball over on halfway.
The Red Roses launched a blistering counter through Cath O’Donnell before the ball was recycled and spread right, through the hands of Helena Rowland and Lagi Tuima.
Emily Scarratt continued the move and offloaded brilliantly on her inside to Sarah McKenna, who took the ball into the tackle before finding an onrushing Tuima back inside.
Cleall revels in fast England start but warns there is work to do
Tuima was brought down short of the line but more rapid phase play edged England nearer before interplay between Poppy Cleall and her twin sister Bryony made the breakthrough.
They often say that twins have a telepathic bond and that adage appeared to become reality as Poppy found Bryony with a clever pass to allow her sister to power over.
And it was clear to see what the score meant to not only Bryony but all her teammates, including her sister who said: “We’re so proud of her and pleased to see her back in a white shirt.”
You can read more about Bryony’s long road back to the England set-up here.
Women’s Six Nations Try of Round 1 voting results Bryony Cleall (ENGLAND v Scotland): 47% Emilie Boulard (FRANCE v Wales): 40% Jess Breach (ENGLAND v Scotland): 10% Emeline Gros (FRANCE v Wales): 3%
