Women’s Rugby – Scotland v France – photos

The full-time score belied the fact that Scotland were narrowly ahead 5-3 at half-time, and were still within sight of a possible win until the 80th minute.

When France scored a try at that point it was all over for the hosts.

But considering the French are third in the world the defence mounted against them was much superior to last year.

Played at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh, in front of a crowd of 5,601, the team performed much better than last year when they were roundly beaten by France 55-0. Although Helen Nelson missed a penalty Elis Martin proceeded to score a try – her second in an international.

Coach Bryan Easson said he thinks the team is “going places”.

Bill Lothian has written about Corstorphine Cougars player, Alex Stewart, in our April newspaper which is in stockists now. She was a constant presence to her French opponents in this game and other honourable mentions go to Rachel Malcolm and Evie Gallagher.