Speaking after the match, Scottish Futures Head Coach Claire Cruikshank said: “Really pleased with the performance today. The players have worked incredibly hard over the last eight or nine weeks and I thought they were really clinical throughout the match.

“We probably left a few opportunities out there but we tried to play expansive, quick rugby today and it paid off.”

It was a bright start for Scotland in front of a vocal home support of friends and family as Hannah Walker dashed over the line to score [5-0].

Several breaks and quick phases lifted the crowd again for a concerted period of pressure but the side weren’t able to capitalise.

Wales were soon on the move, with their inside centre making a great line break but a brilliant tackle from Rachel Phillips stopped the attack, with Futures doing well at the breakdown to win a penalty.

HALF-TIME: Scottish Futures 5-0 Wales U23

The hosts carried the momentum following the break and there was a glimpse of opportunity when a neat offload from Molly Poolman released Alex Stewart who went thundering down the pitch but the Welsh defence did well to bring the attack to a halt.

Cieron Bell, who looked dangerous throughout the contest, went racing into the corner to extend the lead for the Futures [10-0].

Wales back on the charge but some impressive and aggressive defensive work from Futures prevented the side from claiming any points as the ball was held up over the line.

Futures were able to keep the scoreboard ticking, as some brilliant interplay between the backs saw Bell cruise over the line for her second score, with Denholm missing the tricky conversion [15-0].

As the game drew to a close, the Welsh were able to salvage a score, with the side rumbling over the line to put their first points on the board and following a missed conversion, the final whistle was blown, securing a ten-point victory for Scottish Futures [15-5].

FULL-TIME: Scottish Futures 15-5 Wales U23

Scottish Futures: 15. Roma Fraser (Cartha Queens Park); 14. Sky Phimister (Stirling County RFC) 13. Holly McIntyre CAPTAIN (University of Edinburgh) 12. Sarah Denholm (University of Edinburgh) 11. Hannah Walker (University of Edinburgh); 10. Ceitidh Ainsworth (Stirling County RFC) 9. Rachel Law (Watsonians); 1. Poppy Fletcher (Heriot’s Rugby) 2. Nikki Simpson (Garioch) 3. Katie Lindsay (Stirling County RFC) 4. Eve Thomson (Hillhead Jordanhill) 5. Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh) 6. Freya Walker (Watsonians) 7. Isabella Hannay (DMP Sharks) 8. Kirsty Ritchie (Biggar)

Replacements: 16. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh) 17. Lindsey McDiarmid (Garioch) 18. Molly Poolman (Watsonians) 19. Emma Turner (Corstorphine Cougars) 20. Sophie Murphy (Stirling County) 21. Samaanther Taganekurukuru (Heriot’s) 22. Alex Stewart (University of Edinburgh) 23. Rhea Clarke (University of Edinburgh) 24. Carla McDonald (Hillhead Jordanhill) 25. Rachel Philipps (University of Edinburgh) 26. Cieron Bell (University of Edinburgh)