Parsons hat-trick the key to Ireland's Six Nations win

It was a return to her native county to remember for Ballinasloe's Beibhinn Parsons as her hat-trick of tries proved pivotal to Ireland's 57-20 win over Italy in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday evening.

Played in the Dexcom Stadium Galway, the winger touched down on three occasions in the opening half during a game in which Ireland were in complete control from the first whistle.

The Ballinasloe winger scored his first try on 19 minutes and added her second on the half hour mark.

Parsons completed her hat-trick on the cusp of half-time rounding off a wonderful sweeping team move to put Ireland 35 points clear at the interval.

While scores were not as prolific for Ireland in the second period, Ireland maintained their dominance to claim a first win in this year's Six Nations Championship.

Athlone's Anna McGann added to her international cap haul when making a second half appearance, replacing Robyn O'Connor on 56 minutes.

Ireland will be hoping to continue their winning form when they travel to Clermont to play France in their third Six Nations outing on Saturday night (kick-off, 8.10pm).

The teams last met at the quarter-final stage of the Women's Rugby World Cup in September when France claimed a fortuitous 18-13 win.