Spain take the advantage

Deborah McCormack powered over for Scotland's only try (Photo SNS/BBC)

All the points came in the first half, with Deborah McCormack's try cancelled out by a converted Vanesa Rial score. Shade Munro's side pounded the Spanish line for long spells in the second 40 minutes but could not make their territory count.

The decisive leg takes place in Madrid on 26 November, with a place in Pool B in next year's tournament at stake alonside England, the United States and Italy. Spain had lost to Scotland in a friendly last year, but, according to the rankings, were the underdogs this time around, especially given the number of returning Olympic sevens athletes in the Spanish ranks.

On a wet and blustery Glasgow evening, Scotland dominated early possession, with their pack gaining an early advantage, However it was an advantage that theu failed to turn into points, and it was Patricia Garcia who booted Spain into an early lead with a penalty in front of the posts on their first visit to Scotland's 22.

Shortly afterwards Scotland's forward failure finally told when, after a long period camped on the Spanish line, Deborah McCormack found space in the corner with her first international try. Lana Skeldon's touchline conversion attempt fell some way short.

It was a lead that did not last long. Spain reorganised their pack and returned to the attack, and again returned for the Scottish end with points, this time Vanessa Rial taking advantage of slick passing to dummy and score, Garcia converted.

With their early forward advantage largely neutralised, Scotland spent the first 20 minutes of the second half defending their line but being put under great pressure the Scottish defence held. Twice the Spanish crossed the line, but were twice adjudged to have been been held up.

Shortly after Scotland full-back Chloe Rollie almost weaved her way to a wonderful try when she dummied and stepped to within a metre of the line, but the visiting defence held firm, earning a penalty and clearing their lines.

The game now ebbed and flowed, with both side looking for the decisive score. With five minutes remaining, Scotland kicked a penalty to touch at the corner, and tried to maul their way to a score-levelling try, but the Spanish pack were able to bundle them out of play. It was merely a temporary reprieve, though, as the Scots pinched the ball back from the resultant line-out and, several phases later, it took a last-ditch tackle to heave Eilidh Sinclair into touch on the opposite flank.

Scotland battled to the end, but it was Spain who celebrated at the end and take a five point advantage to Madrid.

Scotland (5) 5 (Try: McCormack), Spain (10) 10 (Try: Rial Con: Garcia Pen: Garcia)

Scotland:Chloe Rollie, Megan Gaffney, Lisa Thomson, Lisa Martin, Rhona Lloyd, Helen Nelson, Sarah Law; Heather Lockhart, Lana Skeldon, Tracey Balmer, Emma Wassell, Deborah McCormack, Jemma Forsyth, Louise McMillan, Karen Dunbar.Replacements:Lucy Park, Lindsey Smith, Katie Dougan, Sarah Bonar, Rachel Malcolm, Lyndsay O'Donnell, Jenny Maxwell, Eilidh Sinclair.

Spain:Barbara Pla, Maria Casado, Vanesa Rial, Marina Bravo, Iera Echebarria, Patricia Garcia, Anne Fernandez, Isabel Rico, Aroa Gonzalez, Laura Delgado, Maria Ribera, Elena Redondo, Diana Gasso, Paula Medin, Angela del Pan.Replacements:Saioa Jaurena, Isabel Macias, Jeanina Vinueza, Monica Castelo, Maria Losada, Irene Schiavon, Amaia Erbina, Anna Ramon.