TRIUMPH and disaster rode hand-in-hand for England's rugby players at Twickenham.

It was a weekend most would remember as the one when England suffered a shock 19-13 Six Nations defeat on their home turf at the hands of a battling Irish team.

But it was not all bad news for English rugby. Just hours earlier, the England women's team ran out 51-10 winners against their Irish counterparts.

Salisbury stars played a pivotal role in both games but with different outcomes.

Swift winger Emily Cooke scored a try on her Twickenham debut for her country and ever-dependable Richard Hill put in a typically solid performance. He was England's top tackler and, even as the pressure mounted, kept his game error-free.

In spite of the mixed fortunes, there was frustration from both players after their matches.

Twenty-six year-old Emily, one of the youngest members of the women's team, was denied several more scoring opportunities by fumbled passes.

In the post-match press room, she explained: "It was infuriating. Every ball that came my way was either at my feet or over my head. I was so frustrated out there. But at least I scored a try at Twickenham."

Having missed out on a chance to play for England at the home of the sport last year through injury, Emily relished the occasion and reflected on her pride at lining up alongside her team-mates at the famous stadium.

The Leaden Hall PE teacher added: "I was really nervous. Playing for England at Twickenham is so different to anywhere else. I had tears in my eyes during the national anthem. I mean, what a fantastic thing to do.

"The emotion takes over - playing with such fantastic people and such great friends at such an amazing place. There is nothing to compare to it."

Meanwhile, an old-hand at the venue, Richard Hill may have been forgiven for describing Saturday's match as one he would rather forget.

But, despite his own stellar performance, he was quick to take responsibility for England's shortcomings.

The 30-year-old said: "We let ourselves down and we let the game down.

"We made plenty of errors out there. Our passing and even our basic contact were disappointing.

"We have got to take it on the chin. We have had some losses, which we feel we have learned from.

"Hopefully this will be one of those and when we see the video playback we will be able to hold up our hands and admit what needs to be done."

And he gave Ireland full credit for their triumph.

The former Bishop Wordsworth's boy added: "They fought hard for every possession and competed exceptionally well on our ball. They thoroughly deserved their victory.

"Yes we came close to scoring on two occasions, but the pressure they put us under really told."

Hill and his team mates will be hoping to bounce back immediately when they return to Twickenham on March 20 for the visit of Wales (4pm). Earlier that day, Emily and the women's team take on the Welsh at Harlequins' Stoop ground.