Match Report

Miller strikes as Ireland down Scotland

IrelandWomenvScotlandSB2000
Alison Miller got on the scoreboard as Ireland claimed their first win of their Women’s Six Nations campaign, running in four tries at Scotstoun to beat Scotland.

Alison Miller got on the scoreboard as Ireland claimed their first win of their Women’s Six Nations campaign, running in four tries at Scotstoun to beat Scotland.

After defeat against England last time out, Adam Griggs’ side had a point to prove, and started the game as such, Nicole Fowley crossing to open the scoring.

And although Scotland levelled things through Hannah Smith, Leah Lyons’ effort on the stroke of half-time gave the visitors an advantage that they would not relinquish.

Ireland went ahead after a Nicole Fowley break brought them close to the line.

Support was on hand immediately, and Scotland didn’t have time to sort their line before Aoife McDermott barged over to give the visitors an early lead.

Smith levelled the scoring when it looked as though they had wasted their opportunity to do so.

Ireland defended a series of 5m scrums in solid fashion, keeping Scotland out as they camped out on the line and looked to the pick-and-go to bear fruit.

But eventually, with the ball recycled wide, it was Hannah Smith who outnumbered the Irish and found a gap to dive over.

Scotland thought they had done enough to keep things level going into the break, but Ireland weren’t to be deterred, plugging away before Lyons crashed over to make it 10-5 at half-time.

And Ireland picked up where they left off, grabbing their third score less than five minutes into the second 40.

Alison Miller put the finishing touches to intense Irish pressure, with the returning winger in the right place to profit as the ball was moved down the line; left with the simplest of finishes, she made no mistake.

They got the bonus point before the hour mark, Scotland once again holding their opponents up on their line for what seemed an eternity, before Anna Caplice picked from the back of the ruck and forced her way over.