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Wales back to winning ways

The Wales women’s rugby team bounced back from a first round loss to England with a confident 28-12 victory over Scotland.

Wales touched down three tries in the first half with wing Caryl James crossing twice and veteran fullback Non Evans also touching down.

Trailing 21-7 at half time, Scotland struggled to get back into the match though captain Lynne Reid touched down a late consolation score.

Wales dominated from the first whistle with captain Mel Berry, who started in the unusual postion of centre instead of the base of the scrum, making a solid impact in the midfield.

Prop Catrin Edwards, who was a standout player in last weeks loss against England, made a super charge which led to the first score for Wales. Her solid run set up a penalty for Wales which Non Evans missed but the fullback made amends when she chipped across field and James latched onto the ball to score in the corner.

Evans then stroked over the sideline conversion to give her side an early 7-0 lead.

Scotland though, high in confidence after a first round win over France, came right back into the match with a score of their own. Flyhalf Tanya Griffith made an incisive break through the heart of the Welsh backline and her charge took her all the way to the line for an excellent individual score. The kick from scrum half Louise Dalgliesh evened the score.

The game was frantic for the remainder of the half with both sides playing the match at a high tempo but Wales took advantage when they sent James flying over for a second try.

First number 8 Rachel Taylor made an impact in the midfield and the ball was worked wide for James to score and the convert game Walesa a 7 point lead.

Wales increased their lead in the 31st minute after a slashing break from scrum half Laura Prosser took the home side inside the Scottish 22. Awen Thomas, in her 50th appearance for her country, pulled the Scottish defence sideways and set up Evans who raced in to touch down and then convert.

Despite trailing 21-7 at half time Scotland made life hard for Wales in the second half but a try by substitute Mared Evans meant the game was wrapped up when the home team took a 28-7 lead.

Scotland finished brightly with Reid barging her way over near the corner flag but by then the result was already a formality.

Scorers: Wales: Tries: James (2), Non Evans, Mared Evans; Cons: Evans (4)

Scotland: Tries: Griffith, Reid; Con: Dalgliesh

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