Steep learning curve continues for Scotland Women

Scotland 0 Wales 25Scotland Women travelled to Port Talbot, Wales, to play their final match of the 2014 Six Nation’s Championship. The outcome of the game would determine who finished bottom of this year’s table.  Despite showing great defensive resolve in the second-half, a poor first 40 minutes in which the Scotland team conceded 25 points, created a challenge which proved too great to overcome.Scotland Women head coach Jules Maxton, said: “We were caught cold in the first-half by the early tries, making it hard for us to stage any form of a comeback.”Coming out for the second-half, our defensive system was much improved as we found our structure and used a rushed style of defence which put pressure on the Wales attack.”We were very competitive in the second-half, and it’s this type of performance we need to build-on going forward for the future.”Wales opened the scoring account for the day, with back-row Nia Davies, crossing the line within the first minute of play.This served as an immediate boost for the Wales team, who looked the more energetic and abrasive of the sides, dominating the contact area, squandering any chance of clean ball for the Scotland side to work with.The Welsh wings Phillippa Tuttiett and Ffion Bowen, grabbed a try a piece with lock Shona Powell-Hughes, crossing the line for the other.Wales fly-half Robyn Wilkins, added a penalty to her side’s points-tally, as well as converting two of the tries.A very different Scotland side emerged for the second-half, showing grit and determination to weather the Welsh storm.Despite rarely threatening in offence, quick and efficient line-speed put the opposition handling under pressure, ensuring Wales added no further points to the board, the result anchored at 0-25. Scotland team: Stephanie Johnston (Worcester); Annabel Sergeant (Richmond), Laura Steven (Murrayfield Wanderers), Gillian Inglis (Melrose), Megan Gaffney (Hillhead/Jordanhill); Lisa Martin (Murrayfield Wanderers), Sarah Law (Murrayfield Wanderers); Karen Dunbar (Watsonians), Lana Skeldon (Melrose), Tracy Balmer (Worcester) CAPTAIN, Deborah McCormack (Richmond), Emma Wassell (Murrayfield Wanderers), Rachael Cook (Murrayfield Wanderers, Tess Forsberg (Richmond) and Jade Konkel (Hillhead/Jordanhill).Replacements: Lindsey Smith (Hillhead/Jordanhill), Heather Lockhart (Hillhead/Jordanhill), Lisa Robertson (Murrayfield Wanderers), Ruth Slaven (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lyndsay O’Donnell (Worcester), Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars), Katy Green (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) and Sarah Smith (Hillhead/Jordanhill).