Women’s Rugby – Scotland v Ireland Exiles

Nine try Scots beat the Irish at stormy BT Murrayfield

Scotland’s women completed a successful day on the back pitches at BT Murrayfield on Saturday with a comprehensive 49-0 win over Ireland Exiles in a match of three halves…. To be fair, the Irish side had barely had any practice in the run-up to the match, but a good number of the Scotland team were fairly new to the squad, so evening things out a touch.

The game took the form of a three period training match with the sides able to swap players around with few of the normal restrictions, but it was obvious from the start that Scotland were much the superior side. Three tries in each of the periods from well structured open play, backed up by a dominant scrum, gave the home side a much needed confidence boost ahead of the International season.

It wasn’t quite the ‘walk-over’ that the scoreline would suggest as the Irish women put up a spirited defence and almost scored a breakaway try in the third period. But, ultimately, a strong Scots’ defence held them at bay and turned the play back to attack. Place kicking, however remains the weak spot in the women’s game, but some allowances could be made for the conditions. Still, with only two successful kicks from the day’s tally, that is something that can make the difference in a tight match, so it’s a skill that should be worked on.

The fact remains, however, it was a strong showing from the home squad, particularly with their passing game, which moved the ball across the field swiftly and accurately. And in front of Scotland’s new head of Women’s Rugby, Sheila Begbie, who – in general conversation with The Edinburgh Reporter – commented that she is keen to ensure that the funding and support for the women’s game is increased, and that can only be a good thing.

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days.