Despite the fans and pundits excitement following a promising first outing, Scotland failed to better the men’s result in Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on the weekend.
Lana Skeldon celebrated her 50th cap by opening the scoring after a set piece maul powered over the line. Scotland kept Wales pinned into their own half for at least 20 minutes which silenced the crowd and excited the visiting fans.
Wales then regrouped and started to get into the game. After a number of phases in Scotland’s red zone, Carys Phillips touched down to bring the home side level.
The visitors responded well, showing power and control to work their way back into Wales’s territory. They were almost rewarded twice in the period before half-time but couldn’t quite break down the opposition defence out wide.
The cat and mouse game continued until a little bit of magic from Jenny Maxwell in the Wales twenty two sent an awkwardly bouncing chip kick over the try line where it bounced back over and behind the two Welsh covering defenders chasing it down, only for Rhona Lloyd to collect.
Half-time: Wales 7-14 Scotland
The second half started with Wales down to fourteen due to a yellow card, Scotland capitalising on the extra player to send Rhona Lloyd over for their third try and her second.
Wales replacement Sioned Harries started their fightback after a Hannah Jones break to bring the home side to within 5 points of Scotland. Harries showed outstanding play throughout her time on the pitch, lifting Wales visibly and after some pressure in the scrum, Scotland were down to fourteen after a yellow card for Leah Bartlett.
Wales then levelled the score to give a nail biting end to the contest in prospect.
Scotland as a whole sighed with disappointment when the strong Scots defence faltered and Ffion Lewis broke through to score the winner. They spent the dying moments camped on the Welsh line and with a converted try enough to secure victory, were taking steps to keep play in the centre of the park but just could not break Wales down. Jade Konkel eventually knocked on attempting to pick it up from the base and the final whistle went, with the clock well into the red.
Scotland showed everyone just how their attack based game can produce results. Wales were put in their place for most of the first half and as per usual it’s the hope that kills you! The defence is looking far better but as with the Scotland Men’s team, it’s the small mistakes that cost the game in the end.
Wales 24-19 Scotland FT
TikTok Player of the Match: Sioned Harries (Wales)
Sioned Harries however lead Wales to this victory. Her strength in contact, technical ability and sheer bloody mindedness inspired her team mates to follow. A phenomenal performance and evidence of how the right bench can change a game.
Last words go to Lana Skeldon. Congratulations to this stalwart of the Scots team on her 50th Cap. Strong, driven and a great role model to all young rugby players wanting to wear the jersey.
