Scots finally win in Wales

The result meant a seventh straight victory for Scotland, whose momentum over the past year has been hugely impressive.

Wales got on the board first in front of a roaring crowd at the Cardiff Arms Park, when Keira Bevan knocked over an early penalty, Scotland replied through some magical footwork and pace from the impressive winger Corrine Grant.

After winning a line-out on their throw – an area Scotland had problems with– Emma Orr helped move the ball wide to Grant, who raced up the touchline, wrong-footing Wales full-back Jenny Hesketh to cross over for the game’s opening try.

Helen Nelson converted from the touchline.

Scotland had all the momentum in that first half but could not force their way towards a second try, with Wales, especially through Alex Callender, defending strongly.

Nelson kicked another penalty before Grant almost bettered her first involvement when racing 40 metres up the same wing before being brought down by Jasmine Joyce.

Wales defensive efforts looked rewarded when the pack crashed over, but Bethan Lewis saw her line-out maul try-finder spoiled by an organised Scottish defence.

Bevan added a second penalty to make it 6-10 at half time.

Wales had the better of the second-half conditions at a blustery Arms Park but Scotland scored first, with another outstanding score.

It was Rhona Lloyd who gave her side a sizeable lead when she finished in the right-hand corner after Emma Orr had made a trademark break. Nelson added the extras.

Wales’ breakthrough did arrive when Sisilia Tuipulotu barged over from close range, with the extras coming from Bevan.

Nelson kicked another penalty to make it 13-20, but Wales came charging back into it when Alex Callender got over the line shortly after. The missed conversion by Lleucu George proved decisive.

France will come to Scotland next and they will find a host side high in confidence.

Wales: Jenny Hesketh, Jasmine Joyce, Hannah Jones, Kerin Lake, Nel Metcalfe; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Kelsey Jones, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Natalia John, Abbie Fleming, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis.

Replacements: Carys Phillips, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Georgia Evans, Kate Williams, Sian Jones, Niamh Terry, Carys Cox.

Scotland: Meryl Smith (Bristol Bears), Rhona Lloyd (GB Sevens/Stade Borderlais), Emma Orr (Heriot’s Blues), Lisa Thomson (GB Sevens), Coreen Grant (Saracens); Helen Nelson (vice-captain, Loughborough Lightening), Caity Mattinson (Gloucester-Hartpury); Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers), Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears), Christine Belisle, Emma Wassell (both Loughborough Lightening), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm (captain, Loughborough Lightening), Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars), Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears).

Replacements: Elis Martin (Leicester Tigers) (for Skeldon, 61 mins), Molly Wright (Sale Sharks) (for Bartlett, 74 mins), Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears) (for Belisle, 60 mins), Louise McMillan (Saracens (for Bonar, 69 mins), Eva Donaldson (Leicester Tigers), Mairi McDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Shona Campbell (GB Sevens), Chloe Rollie (Loughborough Lightening) (for Smith, 76 mins).

Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)

Assistant referees: Sara Cox, Holly Wood (both RFU)