Scotland Defeated By Defending Champions

Scotland Women put up a brave battle against the Auld Enemy for the fourth match in the 2010 Six Nations as defending champions, England Women, beat the home side, 51-0. Over 600 supporters – a record crowd – came on to cheer the women on at Meggetland, spirits boosted by the warm spring sunshine. Fly-half Katy McLean led the England team onto the field, donning the captain’s armband, while Catherine Spencer was on the bench. With a strong attacking surge from the whistle, England’s Amber Penrith scored a try within the first two minutes. Kicker Katy McLean was unable to convert, however flanker Heather Fisher quickly scored a second try which McLean converted, putting England into the lead, 12-0, in the first ten minutes. Emily Scarratt and Joanna McGilchrist also scored tries during the first half, resulting in England leading at half-time 22-0. The second half saw the first of several substitutions for England with Francesca Matthews replacing Katherine Merchant. Full back Fiona Pocock scored the first of two tries in the first five minutes of the second half which McLean again converted. Penrith, Essex and Scarratt scored further tries, Scarratt converting one when McLean was subbed (replaced by Rachael Burford after 60 minutes). Despite valiant attempts by Scotland to break through the English defence, Lucy Millard coming close to touching down in the second half, England retained their lead to win 51-0. Andy Sowerby, Head of Sales and Marketing at Martin Currie (Sponsors of the Scotland Women’s team) presented PLayer of the Match award to England flanker Heather Fisher. Scotland coach, Gary Parker, said after the game, “We are an evolving squad, we have a lot of youngsters and they have a lot to learn. We have a lot of positives to take out of that, but England is a benchmark as to where you are. All credit to them, they played a great game. At the end of the day, they were fitter, faster, stronger and more clinical.” Scotland face Ireland in the last match of the Championships next weekend at Ashbourne, Co Meath, where they will be playing for third place. Scotland Women against England Women at Meggetland (kick-off 1.30pm) 15 Celia Hawthorn (Edinburgh University) 14 Lynsey Douglas (London Wasps) 13 Lucy Millard (Team Northumbria) 12 Veronica Fitzpatrick (RHC Cougars) 11 Victoria Blakebrough (Richmond) 10 Tanya Griffith (RHC Cougars) 9 Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars) 1 Heather Lockhart (Hillhead / Jordanhill) 2 Sarah-Louise Walker (Watsonians) 3 Gillian McCord (RHC Cougars) 4 Louise Moffat (Murrayfield Wanderers) 5 Lindsay Wheeler (Team Northumbria) 6 Lynne Reid (RHC Cougars) (CAPTAIN) 8 Susie Brown (Richmond) 7 Donna Kennedy (Worcester) Replacements 16 Sarah Quick (Murrayfield Wanderers) 17 Beth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers) 18 Natalya Macholla (Stirling County) 19 Ruth Slaven (Murrayfield Wanderers) 20 Sarah Gill (Murrayfield Wanderers) 21 Laura Steven (Murrayfield Wanderers) 22 Stephanie Johnston (Hillhead / Jordanhill) (all replacements used)