Canada cruise to opening win

Image: Lucy Millard playing for Scotland this morning(c) Ilona'O Donnell

Canada 37 Scotland 10

By Kate Clements

Canada have got their World Cup campaign off to a great start with a 37-10 victory over Scotland. Canada did most of the damage in the first half as they led 25-0 at the break.

They wrapped up their bonus point early in the second half and took their foot off the pedal with the points in the bag.

From the off Canada battered Scotland down the same channel, testing the Celts' flank defence which ultimately failed when impressive back rower Kelly Russell broke into open space.

An impressive tackle saved the Scots from an early try, but the move lead to a successful penalty, converted by Anna Schnell. Shortly after, Canada again broke through the middle leading to a try from Barbara Mervin, taking the score to 0-8 just 10 minutes in.

By now the Canadians were showing their class. Quick in the defensive line, determined at the ruck area, and devastatingly fast and committed when running at the Scots, Schnell took the score to 0-11 with a penalty on the 22.

Canadas direct running was epitomised by their second try. A neat pop to Mandy Marchak cutting an inside line and hitting the defensive line like an express train, took her over for a try under the posts. Schnell converted making it 0-18.

There was to be one further try before half time. The Canadian hooker and flanker found themselves on the left wing and pulled off a text book 2 V 1 with a well timed draw and give. Schnell impressively converted from the touchline.

Canada went in at halftime comfortably dominant in all areas being 0-25 up and they started the second half in much the same vein. Sarah Ulmer broke through the middle off loading to Marchak who took Canada 0-30 up in the first move of the match.

Scotland finally got on the score sheet 10 minutes into the half with Erin Kerr popping to Lucy Millard on the half way who demonstrated some great speed to take it to 5-30.

Canada hit back immediately creating a 3 V 1 with Ulmer again providing the scoring pass, this time to Olympic gold medalist Heather Moyse whose try was converted by Scnell.

Having already received two warnings, Canada were finally shown a yellow card with Mervin being sent to the bin.

A definite turning point, Scotland began to play with a bit more confidence and dominated possession. They seemed to find a game plan get a penalty, take the line out, driving maul and it worked. Sarah Gill orchestrated a number of pick and goes from her forwards leading to a try for Lindsay Wheeler.

This was to be the final score of the match which ended 10-37.

Canada were impressive, committed and made life very hard for Scotland, denying them any sort of attacking platform.

Scotland failed to take chances when they were offered and were unable to create too many. Their backs did not receive the clean ball they needed, and Canada gave them no inch to play in.

The Canadians will be delighted with an opening bonus point win.

Scorers Scotland:Lindsay Wheeler, Lucy Millard (try each)

Scorers Canada:Tries, Barbara Mevin, Mandy Marchak (2), Mario Gallo, Heather Moyse, Anna Schnell (2 pens, 3 cons)

Scotland:Nicola Halfpenny, Celia Hawthorn, Lucy Millard, Suzi Newton,Veronica Fitzpatrick, Erin Kerr Louise Dalglish (61 mins), Heather Lockhart,Sarah-Louise Walker, Beth Dickens, Gillian McCord, Lindsay Wheeler,Lynne Reid, Donna Kennedy, Susie Brown.

Substitutes:Alison Macdonald (61 mins), Rosalind Murphy (83 mins), Ruth Slaven (49 mins), Keri Holdsworth, Sarah Gill (61mins), Tanya Griffith, Stephanie Johnston.

Canada:Ashley Patzer, Heather Moyse, Mandy Marchak, Sarah Ulmer, MariaGallo, Anna Schnell, Julia Sugawara, Leslie Cripps, Lesley McKenzie, Corinne Jacobsen, Paige Knauf, Megan Gibbs, Barbara Mervin, GillianFlorence, Kelly Russell.

Replacements:Tabitha Stavrou (58 min), Kim Donaldson (41min), Jennifer Kish (78 mins), Heather Jaques, Laura Stoughton, Brooke Hilditch (83 mins), Cheryl Phillips