FORMER Ellingham & Ringwood youngster Poppy Cleall scored her first international try as England kicked off their Women's Six Nations campaign with victory over Italy.

Alderholt-raised Cleall, who was also named player of the match for her efforts at back-row, touched down during the second half of the 42-7 win in Reggio Emilia.

A former pupil at The Burgate School and Fordingbridge Junior School, Cleall made her international debut two years ago and has since been a regular fixture in the Red Roses squad.

The Saracens ace played for Ellingham from under-seven to under-18 level, save for one year at Salisbury.

Captain Sarah Hunter scored a hat-trick in England's tournament opener in northern Italy.

After the teams went in at half-time with the scores locked at 7-7, the hosts having responded to Sarah Bern's early try with a Valentina Ruzza effort, England powered to a bonus-point victory, crossing six more times.

As well as Hunter's treble, Cleall, Abigail Dow and Ellie Kildunne also crossed the whitewash. Katy Daley-Mclean, who converted two of the seven tries, had put England back in front with a penalty.

The Red Roses' second match of the tournament will see them host Wales on Saturday.