Lindsey Smith said:

“The result against Italy was disappointing given how well we played on match day two. I felt we fronted up well at scrum time against a big Italian pack, that was really pleasing and a definite improvement on the previous two days. People like Imogen Spence really stood out, she was a really dominant presence with her ball carrying, same for Ailsa Merryweather, she has performed really consistently across the programme.

“I think our lineout struggled a bit which was unfortunate as it had been a real threat up until that point. We probably struggled with some of our game management at times and that ultimately let Italy to play into our half. They made a real mess at the breakdown area and that was as struggle for us to manage.

“Overall, I am so pleased with how this team has come together and worked there way through the different challenges on each game day. We have definitely improved from the start of the programme to now and it’s great to see that our players are much more confident having gained international experience. It’s been a real journey for some of them.

“It’s definitely been an improvement on last year. It’s really good to see the effects of the Vodafone Regional Training Centres and Regional Game Series on our U18 programme.”

Match Report

Despite much their best efforts, Scotland Women U18 fell to a 24-5 loss against Italy.

Scotland had a bright start against Italy, challenging their defence at ever step with Imogen Spence and Estella Vaughan standouts in attack. After pressing for some time, Niamh Waters broke through the wall of blue to pierce into Italy’s half before being taken down. With a lack of support to protect the ball, Italy won the turnover.

Italy’s attempt to clear their lines fell short, with the ball gathered well by Bethan Mathieson, who began sprinting towards the whitewash, offloading excellently to Kara Borthwick. Scotland continued to work through the phases with Lisa Brown carrying hard. With Italy not rolling a penalty came Scotland’s way inside their opposition 22, Scotland took play quickly, opting to kick to break through but there was just a bit too much power and the ball went dead.

Scotland high tackle, Italy kicked, Haddow gathered and tried to evade but was brought down inside Scotland’s 22. With Scotland holding on, Italy won a penalty and opted for a quick tap, with Scotland’s defence scattered, Italy broke through for the first try of the match. The conversion was successful (7-0, 13 mins).

Scotland continued to challenge Italy’s attack, and when they had possession, looked threatening but infringements at the breakdown held them out and left them without a try in response.

Half-time: Italy 7 – 0 Scotland

Revved up with their lead, Italy came out firing but fantastic defensive work from the pack denied Italy with a try in the first five minutes of the first half. After taking a goal line drop out, Italy were quick to gather and go again. Scotland’s defence was fractured, giving Italy an overlap on the left wing. Scotland were guilty of a further infringement at the breakdown, allowing Italy to quickly tap and go inside Scotland 22. Scotland defended relentlessly, but soon Italy pierced through to dot down at the posts. The extras were added to extend their lead (14-0, 43 mins).

Italy scored a third try just minutes later after striking from a lineout in Scotland’s half. The conversion was missed (19-0, 45 mins).

Italy added a fourth after intercepting the ball from Scotland as they pressed into their half. Brown put in a huge tackle to stop the Italian advance but quick offloading work allowed them to work it wide. The conversion was missed (24-0, 52 mins).

Scotland continued to attack well but small mistakes continued to deny them the opportunities they were looking for. Scotland’s effort never wavered, and in the dying moments of the game, with a penalty in favour of the Scots inside Italian waters, saw Scarlet Down carry hard and take Scotland metres from the try line. Scotland continued to string phases together and were awarded advantage, with Italy offside. Down quickly tapped and drove herself forward, but was just shy of the line, but Eve MacKay was quick to pick from the back and secured Scotland their try. A difficult conversion from Kat Bird was missed, drawing the match to a close.

Full-time: Italy 24 – 5 Scotland