Wooden spoon, but definite signs of promise for Wales

WALES were condemned to the wooden spoon in the women’s Six Nations after a spirited 27-20 defeat by Scotland at Scotstoun.

Tries from Megan Gaffney, Megan Kennedy, Christine Belisle and Evie Gallagher proved enough to earn victory for the Scots, although Wales did respond with touchdowns from Lisa Neumann and Caitlin Lewis.

Ultimately Wales fell short, but there were definite positives for head coach Warren Abrahams to build on, with Jasmine Joyce putting in a particularly impressive performance at full-back.

Scotland, in search of a first win of the competition, drew first blood when Gaffney crashed over in the corner after just five minutes.

But Wales, to their credit, responded well and took a slender lead courtesy of two Robyn Wilkins penalties.

A tightly-contested first half then saw the pendulum swing back in Scotland’s favour.

Gaffney’s superb break was met by a wall of red shirts just metres from the line, before she bulldozed her way over the whitewash.

Another well-worked team move allowed Belisle to go over to put the hosts in control at halftime.

Wales’s Georgia Evans.

It was a touch harsh on Wales, who responded by storming out of the blocks after the interval, with Neumann touching down for her side’s first try of the tournament.

Wilkins added the extras, but Scotland’s dominance in the lineout continued to cause issues.

A pinpoint set-piece set up a ferocious rolling maul that was expertly finished by Gallagher.

Three points from the boot of Helen Nelson 10 minutes from time ensured the hosts kept the scoreboard ticking over.

But Wales refused to throw in the towel and were rewarded for their efforts when Lewis finished off a fine team move to go over for a converted score, ending a difficult campaign on something of a high.