Report: Scotland U21 12-51 England U21
18 Apr 2026Scotland Women U21 suffered a 51-12 defeat to their English counterparts in an exciting contest between two sets of rising stars in the women’s game.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 18: Match Action during a 2026 Six Nations Women's Under 21s match between Scotland and England at the Hive Stadium, on April 18, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group) In the opening fixture of the Women’s Six Nations U21 Series, the home side found it difficult throughout the first-half against a lightening quick England team but grew into the game and had spells in the second period where they exerted sustained pressure.
The visitors thought they had opened the scoring at Hive Stadium in the 8th minute, but it was well held up on the line by Scotland’s defence, who worked hard all day.
They did however cross over minutes later to touch down through centre Carmela Morrall, who had a stellar performance in the game, and followed it up with a second score a minute later as Molly Bunker broke through the Scottish tackles. (0-10, 15 mins)
Scotland had their first ventures into the England 22 in the 16th and 18th minutes but failed to convert from either of their promising lineout positions.
After a period of Scottish endeavour, England made their way back up the pitch through an excellent line break from stand-off Ella Cromack who then offloaded to Molly Bunker as she crossed over for her second try of the day. (0-15, 27 mins)
A difficult defensive task for the Scots continued as England crashed over through hooker Hayley Jones, who displayed her powerful running throughout the first-half. (0-22, 33 mins)
Scotland did immediately find their way back into the English area courtesy of some fine handling from Nicole Flynn, but again fell just short. Flynn was Scotland’s brightest spark in the first-half but often didn’t have the support runners when she did find space.
The first period was concluded by some further impressive England hands as flying full-back Solana Shaw de Leon crossed over to increase the visitors’ lead. The try was easily converted from under the posts before the whistle. (0-29, 39 mins)
Half-time: Scotland Women U21 0 – 29 England Women U21
England picked up where they left off following the restart as Shaw de Leon quickly scored again. (0-34, 44 mins)
However, Scotland’s best moment of the game thus far came minutes later following a period of mounting pressure, when Nicole Flynn, who was playing with one boot missing, drifted through the defence to score under the posts. The conversion was slotted by centre Lucy MacRae. (7-34, 51 mins)
Scotland’s Charlotte Russell was sent to the bin and England quickly capitalised to increase their lead, followed by a another try from the electric Shaw de Leon to make the home side’s task even greater. (7-44, 65 mins)
Scarlett Haddow then thought she had crossed over in the corner for the young Scots, but the officials deemed she had been taken to touch before getting the ball down, as a frustrated home side saw another chance squandered.
Comfortably Scotland’s best player on the day, Nicole Flynn, then made a superb break for the line and crossed the whitewash in the bottom corner, with MacRae adding the extras from the tee. (12-44, 79 mins)
As the player-of-the-match announcement went up, recognising England’s Carmela Morrall performance, it was apt that she scored their final try on the whistle to cap a perfect day north of the border for the visitors. (12-51, 80 mins)
Full-time: Scotland Women U21 12 – 51 England Women U21
Scotland U21:15. Freya MacColl 14. Sky Phimister 13. Nicole Flynn 12. Lucy MacRae – Vice-Captain 11. Scarlett Haddow 10. Poppy Mellanby 9. Emily Love 1. Poppy Fletcher 2. Megan Hyland – Captain 3. Faye Sutherland 4. Charlotte Russell 5. Gemma Thomson 6. Scarlet Down 7. Isobel Twigger 8. Catriona Moody
Replacements: 16. Aila Ronald (for Faye Sutherland 45 mins) 17. Talei Tawake (for Poppy Fletcher 60 mins) 18. Imogen Spence (for Megan Hyland 45 mins) 19. Aisla Merryweather (for Charlotte Russell 71 mins) 20. Lucy Finch (for Isobel Twigger 60 mins) 21. Ceitidh Ainsworth (for Emily Love 60 mins) 22. Lisa Brown 23. Hannah Smyth (for Freya MacColl 60 mins)
England U21: 15. Solana Shaw de Leon 14. Alice Bennett 13. Molly Bunker 12. Carmela Morrall 11. Grace White 10. Ella Cromack 9. Amelia MacDougall 1. Amelia Williams 2. Hayley Jones 3. Aisha Jah 4. Grace Keel 5. Keevy Fitzpatrick 6. Zoë Dare 7. Sophie McQueen – Captain 8. Haidee Head
Replacements: 16. Maddy Page 17. Zara Green 18. Ruby Winstanley 19. Tamsin Baynes 20. Jodie Verghese 21. Honey Kerslake 22. Poppy Love 23. Millie Hyett
Referee: Alexandra Ferré
Player of the Match: Carmela Morrall (England)
