February 3, 2017
Ireland Try at Death Deflates Scotland in 6 Nations
Doug Coil
Scotland and Ireland kicked off the 2017 Women’s 6 Nations season on Friday February 3, 2017.
Scotland struck first as Jade Konkel went in for a try at four minutes and Sarah Law converted for a 7-0 lead. Ireland came back six minutes later as they turned over the ball from Scotland and had number as Alison Miller went in for a try in the corner. After a TMO review, the try was awarded and Ireland narrowed the gap to 7-5.
Ireland’s Alison Miller then added her second try of the match at minute 22 and the score was 7-10. In this seesaw battle, Jade Konkel went in for her second try 7 minutes later. Sarah Law converted again for a 12-10 lead. Law would add a penalty kick with four minutes remaining in the half to increase Scotland’s lead to 15-10 at halftime.
Scotland has to be happy with their performance, although the Irish scrum has been under some pressure. Scotland will lament the injury to Rachel Malcolm in her first international test. Lucy Park was her replacement.
Scotland had the early momentum during the second, however at the 50th minute Lucy Smith was sent to the bin. Ireland then attacked from a lineout turned into a maul and Lindsay Peat drove over for a try. The referee needed some assistance and requested a TMO and after review the try was awarded and the match was 15 all.
Five minutes later, Ireland were penalized, but Sarah Law’s penalty kick went just wide.
Scotland went on a sustained attack on breaks by Lisa Thompson and Chloe Rollie. The Scotland team camped near the try line, but Ireland defended well. Finally after another penalty by Ireland, Scotland went for points, but Helen Nelson’s kick drifted wide.
Scotland and Ireland then went back and forth in attacks. It appeared that the match would end in a draw in the steady rain. A penalty allowed Ireland to kick to touch for a lineout with no time remaining. Ireland took the lineout and mauled, before getting it out to centre Jenny Murphy who went in for a try under the posts. Nora Stapleton converted and Ireland leaves with a hard fought 22-15 win.
The match was an outstanding match under adverse rainy conditions. Scotland will have to be pleased with their performance and Ireland goal line defense was stellar.
Scotland Women: Chloe Rollie (Murrayfield Wanderers); Megan Gaffney (Edinburgh University), Lisa Thomson (Edinburgh University), Lisa Martin (Murrayfield Wanderers) (capt), Rhona Lloyd (Edinburgh University); Helen Nelson (Murrayfield Wanderers), Sarah Law (Murrayfield Wanderers/Edinburgh University); Tracy Balmer (Worcester), Rachel Malcolm (Lichfield), Lindsey Smith (Hillhead Jordanhill), Emma Wassell (Murrayfield Wanderers), Deborah McCormack (Aylesford Bulls), Karen Dunbar (RHC Cougars), Louise McMillan (Hillhead Jordanhill), Jade Konkel (Hillhead Jordanhill).
Replacements: Lucy Park (Murrayfield Wanderers), Heather Lockhart (Hillhead Jordanhill), Katie Dougan (Edinburgh University), Sarah Bonar (Lichfield), Jemma Forsyth (Hillhead Jordanhill), Jenny Maxwell (Lichfield), Lauren Harris (Melrose), Eilidh Sinclair (Murrayfield Wanderers).
Ireland Women: Mairead Coyne (Galwegians/Connacht); Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians/Munster), Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Sene Naoupu (Aylesford Bulls), Alison Miller (Old Belvedere/Connacht); Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union/Leinster); Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/Leinster), Leah Lyons (Highfield/Munster), Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Orla Fitzsimons (St. Mary’s/Leinster), Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemians/Munster), Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht), Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary’s/Leinster) (capt).
Replacements: Jennie Finlay (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Ilse van Staden (Cooke/Ulster), Ciara O’Connor (Galwegians/Connacht), Elaine Anthony (Highfield/Munster), Nichola Fryday (Tullamore/Connacht), Mary Healy (Galwegians/Connacht), Claire McLaughlin (Cooke/Ulster), Eimear Considine (UL Bohemians/Munster).