Scotland Women 26, Italy Women 6

Vice-captain Lucy Millard scored a hat-trick of tries to help Scotland Women to a fine 26-6 win over Italy Women at Meggetland in the Women’s RBS 6 Nations. Erin Kerr also crossed the line while debutant fullback Lynsey Harley grabbed six points with the boot in front of a record crowd for a Scotland Women international. Vice-captain Lucy Millard scored a hat-trick of tries to help Scotland Women to a fine 26-6 win over Italy Women at Meggetland in the Womens RBS 6 Nations. Erin Kerr also crossed the line while debutant fullback Lynsey Harley grabbed six points with the boot in front of a record crowd for a Scotland Women international. Italy had drawn first blood with an early penalty from stand off Michela Tondinelli before Millard served notice of her inentions with an excellent run which was only stopped by an excellent tackle from Maria Cristina. Then, after some fine play with Kerr, Millard, playing at centre after her role at fullback in the opening two Six Nations games, touched down in the 21st minute to give Scotland Women a 5-3 lead, which was increased by the conversion from Harley. Kerr then got in on the try-scoring act when she ran over after great work from scrum-half Louise Dalgliesh Scotland were now in control and Veronica Fitzpatrick was on hand to mop up when the Italians attempted to threaten through Valentina Schiavon. But the visitors were not ready to throw in the towel and a Tondinelli penalty clawed Italy back into the game at 12-6 in the 37th minute. HT: Scotland Women 12 Italy Women 6 Early into the second period, wing Cara D’Silva gained good ground following a great Millard pass in the 47th minute. But, just 60 seconds later, Millard was on the scoresheet again with a brilliant 20-yard run, leaving Harley with the simple task of slotting the conversion from in front of the posts. Harley was unfortunate not to add a further three points for the home side when her 55th-minute penalty bounced back off the post. But Scotland were in devastating form and, after captain Donna Kennedy had claimed a brilliant take and pass from a line-out, Dalgliesh’s pass was perfect for Suzi Newton. She, in turn, found Millard who claimed her third try of the afternoon with another fine run. Harley completed the scoring – and the win – with the conversion to make it 26-6 to Scotland. Scotland head coach Lee Adamson said: I am absolutely delighted for all the players. After six weeks of really hard work and great commitment, we have got a win under our belt. We produced an excellent performance, improving – as we said we would – week by week. We now have to carry this forward to our next game against Ireland and then in France. I cannot underestimate the benefit this win will have on the team in terms of building their confidence and self-belief.