Lyons try sets Irish up for bonus win

IRELAND head coach Adam Griggs was a happy man after his side bounced back from an opening defeat to England to see off Scotland in Glasgow on Friday evening.

Ireland controlled possession in tough conditions at Scotstoun and a try from tighthead Leah Lyons on the stroke of half-time was key to giving them momentum.

They then had the bonus point four tries wrapped up before the hour mark.

Griggs said: “I thought the team controlled things and we are starting to put some more phases together and build on things with ball in hand.”

His opposite number Shade Munro was less than impressed.

“As a team we’ve got to learn to be a bit more relentless in what we do,” he blasted. “We need to take the game by the scruff of the neck.”

In wet and windy conditions it was Ireland who started the stronger and took an early lead.

The try came in the fifth minute through second row Aoife McDermott.

An unconverted effort from Scotland centre Hannah Smith levelled things up midway through the half, but the score from Lyons just before the break put a spring in Ireland’s step.

They bagged their third try in the 44th minute.

It came through winger Alison Miller in the left corner and, although unconverted, it meant that Ireland were ten points up.

Ireland stayed on the front foot and scored their bonus point fourth try in the 58th minute.

This time back rower Anna Caplice went over with stand-off Nicole Fowley converting to make it 22-5.