A TENACIOUS display by Wales Women at Twickenham wasn't enough to derail England's Grand Slam challenge.

The hosts triumphed 20-13 in London to head to France chasing a Six Nations clean sweep while Rhys Edwards' side are gunning for second place when they welcome Italy to Aberavon on Sunday.

The home side led 14-3 at the break with Ceri Large charging over for two converted tries with Wales' only response a Robyn Wilkins penalty.

England dominated the first half and only dogged defence by Wales ensured they remained in touch at the break.

Wales got back in to the match in the second half when Wilkins pounced on a loose ball over the England try-line. She soon followed with a second touchdown when she intercepted a loose pass and ran 35m to score unopposed.

Amber Reed eased England nerves with a penalty with 15 minutes remaining. The home side knocked at Wales' door but on three separate occasions determined defence held them at bay over the try-line with scrum half Keira Bevan in particular defending as if her life depended on it.

England's first half dominance pave the way to victory with Large opening the scoring when she charged through Alisha Butchers to put her side 5-0 ahead. Reed converted.

Reed turned provider after 28 minutes. Her off-load to Large sent the powerful centre over to complete her double.

Wales proved a different proposition in the second spell with captain Rachel Taylor leading from the front with good support from Shona Powell-Hughes.

Despite Wilkins' intervention England managed to hold on with a last-minute penalty by Reed putting the icing on the cake for her side.

England Women received a mighty scare from Wales at Twickenham Stoop but remain on course for a first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2012 after prevailing 20-13.