Dalkeith take on Strathaven in National Women’s Bowl final

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL13: Marr players celebrate as the full-time whistle is blown during the Women's National Bowl Final between Marr Rugby and Dalkeith Rugby Club on the back pitches at BT Murrayfield Stadium, on Aril 13, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Simon Wootton / SNS Group)

In the previous final, Marr defeated Dalkeith 36-29 in a blockbuster match on the Murrayfield campus back pitches, where Dalkeith centre Rachael McIntosh was player of the match, scoring four tries on the day in a losing effort.

This year’s final will also take place on the Murrayfield campus back pitches, with a 12pm kick off – directly before the Scotland Women versus Italy match at Hive Stadium. The trophy presentations from this match will take place at half time of the international match. Tickets to both the international match and the Bowl can be purchased through this link.

Both Dalkeith and the Ravens went unbeaten in the pool stages, Dalkeith couldn’t be stopped by Berwick (63-12), Lasswade (83-5), Dunfermline (42-20) or Mid Argyll (102-19). The Ravens defeated Gala (36-15), Caledonian Thebans (24-12), and Carrick (17-5) on the way to securing their berth in the final.

Dalkeith head coach Steven Halliday said his side have been working hard and improving game by game.

“We experienced the Bowl final last season and were on the losing side, so the team have been determined to try and reverse that situation this season. It would cap off what has been a brilliant second season for the squad.”

While Ravens head coach Barry Martin said he was proud of his side, which only started in February 2024.

“Who would have thought that a year down the line we would have a squad numbering almost 40 and be here, at Murrayfield, competing for the National Bowl?

“I speak for the whole coaching team when I say that we are so proud of the team, the effort to turn up consistently in all weathers and give their all to a common cause.

Ravens captain Rachel Rawlinson said while she is hoping for a Ravens victory, women from all walks and stages of life have “come together for the love of the sport”.

“No matter the outcome today, the women have poured their hearts and souls into this team and should be incredibly proud of themselves for making it here.

“We are of course hoping for a Strathaven Ravens win but ultimately, we want to show off the growth and experience we have gained over the last year. Bring it on.”

Team sheets:

Strathaven Ravens

15. Caitlin Watt
14. Isla McStay
13. Fanny Helleux
12. Jen Scally (vice-captain)
11. Margaret Maitland
10. Claire Davidson
9. Priya Richardson

1. Isla Robertson (vice-captain)
2. Rachel Rawlinson (captain)
3. Lesley Barrie
4. Carolyn Collard
5. Julia Mathieson
6. Jo Martin
7. Steph Davidson
8. Erin Hipson

Replacements:
16. Jo Young
17. Louise Cooke
18. Caty Dawson
19. Lyndsey Gavin
20. Katy Russell
21. Lee Watt
22. Pauline Black

Dalkeith

15. Tegan McLean
14. Claire Brunton
13. Rachael McIntosh
12. Sarah Hayhurst
11. Abbie Campbell
10. Leigh Bell
9. Amy MacNamara

1. Yvonne McCathie (captain)
2. Debbie Dunbar
3. Alison Nangle
4. Kira Turner
5. Eilidh Duff
6. Rebbeca Pennycook
7. Lynsay Halliday
8. Kayleigh Roche

Replacements
16. Rebecca Robertson
17. Natasha Williams
18. Georgia Vickery
19. Julie Lyons
20. Melisa Cameron