NATIONAL WOMEN’S BOWL MATCH REPORT: Livingston RFC 12-72 Greenock Wanderers

The Wanderers put the pressure on from the opening minutes. Livingston stayed strong to hold them off, but it wasn’t long until Lesley Cadenhead got the first try in for Greenock Wanderers.

This was quickly followed by a try from Caitlyn Haldane. Livingston continued to stay strong in their defence with some fantastic tackles from second row Kiera Robertson.

Further tries from Greenock pushed the West Lothian side to seize the opportunity when given. Full-back Leanne Moir scored Livingston’s first try of the game with a fantastic intercept on the half-way line which she dotted over the line.

HALF-TIME: Livingston 5-25 Greenock Wanderers

As the rain came down, the second half got underway. Tina Hemphill opened up the scoring after the break for Greenock Wanderers. She added the extras as well to see the lead extended even further.

After a long stoppage time due to injury, both teams carried on with the strong momentum to get straight back to business.

Greenock were quick to get back into their attacking phases with Erin Haldane getting her first try of the match.

Further tries from Erin’s sister Caitlyn, as well as Catriona Cowan pushed Greenock’s lead even further to 5-53 with thanks as well to Tina Hemphill’s boot converting them all.

Livingston full-back Leanne Moir dotted down for a second try but Greenock hit back with their 10th try of the game as Caitlyn Haldane crossed the whitewash (12-60).

As the final whistle drew closer, Catriona Cowan scored her fourth try of the match followed by a final score from Tina Hemphill.

Greenock captain, Hannah Mutton, said on the win “Unbelievably pleased. The girls were really nervous being here especially because of last year when we didn’t win. This year we were wanting that win. Nerves were high but I think we kept it calm. We are over the moon; it means so much to us.”

Player of the match, Leanne Moir, reflected on the cup experience saying, “This have been incredible. We have been building numbers from the start of the year. The players, the coaches and the whole club are amazing. It has been such a wild journey and even just being here is better than anything.”

FULL-TIME: Livingstone 12-72 Greenock Wanderers

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Leanne Moir (Livingstone)

TEAMS

Livingstone: Leanne Moir, Emma Jenkyns, Hayley Moir, Sarah Madden, Lauren Prentice, Lucy Kidd, Lee Anne Steel, Toni Reilly, Kerry McElwee, Donna McInnes, Liv Fennelly, Kiera Robertson, Katie Shiell (C), Rachel Munro, Chelsea Watt

Replacements: Liz Cooper, Cassi Stewart, Sarah Dickson, Ayesha Saeed, Taz Tollan, Lauren McInnes, Elaine Mackie

Greenock Wanderers: Catriona Cowan, Lesley Cadenhead, Caitlyn Haldane, Erin Haldane, Caroline Calderwood, Hannah Mutton (C), Beverley Addison, Seonaidh Hayton, Sophie Hicks, Emily Gray, Cat Geurtsen, Kat Hemphill, Emma Grace, Anne Thomson, Tina Hemphill

Replacements: Hannah Grace, Lisa Edwards, Michelle Lyle, Diane Hughes, MT Crumlish, Samantha Cowan-Irvine, Lynsey O’Neill