Scotland’s women are mirroring the men in the Six Nations Championship. After an opening defeat to Wales, another followed away to France. However, the girls produced a gutsy performance in a 12-25 defeat.

An early penalty and unconverted try distanced the French from Scotland but an excellent individual try from Lucy Millard (Murrayfield Wanderers) – converted by Sarah Gill – brought the Scots back into the match.

However a converted try for France in the last play of the half meant the home side reached the interval 15-7 ahead.

Scotland started the second half by producing  a great patch of play that ended with Cara D’Silva going over for an unconverted try.
 
Scottish coach Jamie Dempsey freshened up the Scottish team, bringing on Nikki McLeod and Katy Green for their their Scotland debut alongside Keri Holdsworth, Joy Lyth and Ellen Beattie.

But the French stretched the lead with a penalty kick before scoring their fourth try of the afternoon which they kicked to finish the game 25-12.

“We went toe-to-toe with France today and played a lot of rugby through a number of quality phases.

“At times we played some outstanding rugby,” said Dempsey. “Our work rate in contact was very good, as was our set piece, we just need to develop our attacking play a little to allow us to capitalise further on the chances we had.”

Scotland Women’s next Six Nations fixture is at home to Italy on Saturday 28 February at Meggetland (kick-off 12noon) – admission to all Scotland A, Women and age-grade matches is free.