Scotland overcome Army challenge
Scotland maintained their 100% record in this annual warm-up fixture – played in near-blizzard conditions – but left things until the last possible minute before they were finally able to overcome a determined British Army opposition 10-5.
Published by Alison Donnelly, January 18th, 2013
4 minute read
Snow and freezing conditions resulted in a last-minute change of venue, and a delayed start, before the Friday evening fixture finally kicked off.
Although the ball was slippery, at first conditions were not too bad with the Army getting the best of the opening exchanges. However indiscipline at offside line three times in a row allowed Scotland to take the advantage and build a base for the forwards to drive over, Lindsay Wheeler being credited with the final touch for a first score.
Within minutes thoughm the Army were level, a break and 50-year run from Chantelle Miller setting up attacking platform for Bianca Vasey to crash over for the equalising try. With both conversions missed the teams went into the break at 5-5.
After the break the conditions began to dominate, the snow getting heavier and heavier.
Of the two teams the Army initially appeared to cope better, and at the start of the second half looked the stronger team. However, they could not turn this advantage into points and as the half wore on it was Scotland’s backline that started to put the Army defence under pressure.
The visitors held out until the final seconds when, following an Army turn over, a clearing kick failed to hit touch but instead fell into Lauren Harris’ hands, who ran into the corner to score. The kick was missed, but the whistle then went to give Scotland a 10-5 win.
The main aim of the game, for Scotland, was to try out various combinations before selecting the final team for the opening two games, though given the conditions head coach Karen Findlay will be pleased simply to have had a chance to test herside before the challenge of England in two weeks time.
Scotland training squad:
Back: Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars), Sarah Dixon (Stirling County), Megan Gaffney (Hillhead/Jordanhill), Tanya Griffith (RHC Cougars), Lauren Harris (Melrose) Gillian Inglis (Melrose), Steph Johnston (RHC Cougars), Sarah Law (Murrayfield Wanderers), Leanne Neary (RHC Cougars), Lisa Ritchie (Carlisle), Annabel Sergeant (Richmond), Laura Steven (Murrayfield Wanderers),
Forwards: Tracy Balmer (Worcester), Susie Brown (Richmond), Beth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers), Tess Forsberg (Richmond), Jade Konkel (Hillhead/Jordanhill), Mary Lafaiki (Hillhead/Jordanhill), Suzanne McKerlie-Hex (Murrayfield Wanderers), Nikki McLeod (Morgan), Bridget Millar-Mills (Worcester), Becca Parker (Hillhead/Jordanhill), Sarah Quick (Murrayfield Wanderers), Kelly Shields (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lindsey Smith (Hillhead/Jordanhill), Anna Stodter (Loughborough Students), Lindsay Wheeler (Richmond),
Army Women: 1. Maj Charlie Maxwell 2. Cpl Rae Metters 3. Cpl Bianca Vasey 4. Sig Demi Graham 5. Lt Rachael Davies 6. Capt Gemma Simmister 7. Pte Shellyann Magic 8. Bdr Laura Latimer 9. Cfn Laura Marsh 10. Lt Gemma Rowland 11. Cpl Dani Phan 12. Capt Rebecca Homer 13. Bdr Katie Garside 14. Capt Alex Coxon 15. Cpl Jolandi Joubert.
Replacements 16. SSgt Maxine Bowley 17. Pte Nikki O'Donnel 18. 2Lt Erica Mills 19. Cfn Rosie Randfield 20. 2Lt Chantelle Miller 21. Gnr Jessica McAuley 22. Capt Gemma Stonebridge-Smith