Wales (6) 18 |
Strive: Tuipulotu, Callender Con: Bevan Pen: Bevan |
Scotland (10) 20 |
Tries: Grant, Lloyd Cons: Nelson 2 Pen: Nelson |
Scotland survived a late Wales comeback to safe a primary Ladies’s Six Nations victory on Welsh soil in 20 years.
Lleucu George missed a 79th minute conversion which might have secured a draw after Alex Callender’s strive.
Scotland led because of tries from Coreen Grant and Rhona Lloyd, whereas Sisilia Tuipulotu crossed to get Wales again within the recreation.
However there was to be no late heartbreak for Scotland this yr as they lengthen their successful streak to seven matches.
Wales are actually winless in 4 with a frightening away journey to England to come back in spherical two.
Taking part in in opposition to the Arms Park parts, the sport began nicely for Wales who took factors on their first go to to Scotland’s 22.
A strong scrum gave an attacking platform with the returning Natalia John carrying nicely to earn her facet a penalty.
Scrum-half Keira Bevan, on kicking obligation, slotted over right into a stiff Cardiff breeze.
That ought to have settled early nerves, however Wales’ defence had been caught napping as Scotland launched their first significant assault.
They went via two phases off lineout ball with Lloyd releasing Grant on her wing, who outpaced the overlaying defence to attain the opening strive.
Helen Nelson added the touchline conversion.
Scotland then spent a interval camped on Wales’ strive line and after some resolute defence, they settled for 3 factors from the tee.
Waves of blue assault saved coming and Grant seemed sure to be in for her second when she discovered herself up in opposition to forwards within the vast channel.
She stepped debutant full-back Jenny Hesketh with ease however Jaz Joyce saved Wales from a sure strive with an excellent cowl deal with.
Momentum then shifted to Wales within the last 10 minutes of the half.
A Bethan Lewis turnover gave Wales an opportunity of a 5 metre attacking lineout, their foremost weapon final yr, however the drive was introduced down illegally.
Lewis picked up off the bottom of the scrum however she was held up a few metres quick.
Wales continued to ask questions, however their lateral assault was simply defended. They opted for one more Bevan penalty to chop deficit by 4 factors getting into on the break.
Wales made an early change for the second half, with Georgia Evans on for John within the second row.
That they had hoped to have the wind on their backs, however the parts had died down in Scotland’s favour.
Wales utilized all of the early stress and received a penalty which might have given them an attacking lineout deep into Scotland’s 22, however George missed contact.
Scotland in distinction had been medical when their alternative arose from lineout ball, and it was a carbon copy of the primary strive.
Wales’ defence had been once more unorganised which allowed Lloyd to fly down her wing and beat final defender Nel Metcalfe, who was later changed by Carys Cox as Wales seemed for some inspiration.
That sometimes got here via the Welsh forwards and it was the star props Gwenllian Pyrs and Tuipulotu who carried nicely, earlier than Tuipulotu finally powered over to present the house crowd one thing to cheer.
Scotland had been then dealt a blow when Lana Skeldon limped off injured after a prolonged delay, nevertheless it did little to dampen their spirit they usually continued to ask questions of the Welsh defence.
There was to be no means via, as Scotland misplaced one other key participant in Sarah Bonar, however the clock ticked down with Wales unable to exit their 22.
Scotland took three factors when Wales’ scrum creaked to increase their lead with simply over 5 minutes remaining.
That noticed the introduction of debutant Sian Jones at scrum-half.
Rallied by a roaring 6,000 crowd, Wales threw every thing at Scotland within the dying minutes, with the forwards going via part after part.
Callender went over, and after a dramatic tv match official examine for a double motion, the strive was finally awarded.
With Bevan off the sphere, George stepped as much as take the conversion, however she was agonisingly vast along with her effort.
Line-ups
Wales: Jenny Hesketh; Jasmine Joyce, Hannah Jones, Kerin Lake, Nel Metcalfe; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Abbie Fleming, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis.
Replacements: Carys Phillips, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Sian Jones, Niamh Terry, Carys Cox.
Scotland: Meryl Smith; Rhona Lloyd, Emma Orr, Lisa Thomson, Coreen Grant; Helen Nelson, Caity Mattinson; Leah Bartlett, Lana Skeldon, Christine Belisle, Emma Wassell, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm, Alex Stewart, Evie Gallagher.
Replacements: Elis Martin, Molly Wright, Elliann Clarke, Louise McMillan, Eva Donaldson, Mairi McDonald, Shona Campbell, Chloe Rollie.
Match officers
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
Contact judges: Sara Cox (RFU), Holly Wooden (RFU)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)