Ireland Try at Death Deflates Scotland in 6 Nations

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.