Parsons hat-trick as Ireland thrash Italy in Galway

Parsons hat-trick as Ireland thrash Italy in GalwayImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Parsons scored three tries in the first half to help Ireland build an unassailable leadByMatt GaultBBC Sport NI senior journalistPublished7 minutes agoWomen's Six NationsIreland (45) 57Tries: Lane, Wafer, Parsons 3, O'Connor, Perry, Moloney-MacDonald, Hogan Cons: O'Brien 6 Italy (10) 20Tries: Vecchini, Minuzzi, Madia, D'Inca Beibhinn Parsons scored a hat-trick as nine-try Ireland turned on the style to thrash Italy in Galway and register their first Women's Six Nations win of the year.Having opened the tournament with a 33-12 loss to England at Allianz Stadium last week, rampant Ireland scored seven tries to build a commanding half-time lead. In the first Women's Six Nations game at Connacht's newly redeveloped Dexcom Stadium, Galway-born winger Parsons delighted the 9,206-strong crowd - a record for an Ireland women's home game - with a trio of fine finishes. Emily Lane opened Ireland's account, while Aoife Wafer, debutant Robyn O'Connor and Ellena Perry also crossed in a hugely impressive opening 40 minutes.Vittoria Vecchini's try and a stunning breakaway effort from full-back Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi kept alive Italy's hopes of securing a try bonus point.Ireland added two more tries in the second half through Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald and Brittany Hogan, but Veronica Madia and Alyssa D'Inca scores secured a bonus point for Italy. Ireland move up to third in the table while Italy remain bottom. Parsons treble lights up first halfEarlier this week, Ireland head coach Scott Bemand said his players had taken a sluggish start against world champions England which left them trailing 21-0 at the break "to heart". Determined to bury that pain, they flew out of the traps against Italy, with scrum-half Lane taking a quick tap penalty and darting over the line to open the scoring after five minutes. And while...