Scots women’s dream still alive
IRELAND 18 SCOTLAND 20
Scotland kept alive their dream of reaching a first World Cup since 2010 in New Zealand next October with a dramatic victory over Ireland in Parma, Italy last night – secured with a Chloe Rollie try and Sarah Law conversion in the last play ofthematch.
Bryan Easson’s side will now play a final repechage qualification tournament against Samoa, Columbia and one of Hong Kong, Japan or Kazakhstan – at a date still to be confirmed
It was heartbreak for Ireland, who started the game as favourites on the basis of their recent record of 14 wins in their last 15 matches against Scotland, and who dominated long periods of this match.
However, they let the Scots back into the game during the final eight minutes and paid a heavy price.
Italy, the host nation of this European World Cup qualification tournament, defeated Spain 34-10 earlier in the day, meaning they progress directly to the main event as pool winners.
“The biggest emotion for me is just pride,” said victorious captain Rachel Malcolm. “The passion, the heart and the work that has been put in by every single member of this squad and the management during the build-up to this tournament gave us belief.”
Scotland fell behind to a Linda Djougang try but bounced back to lead 8-5 at the break thanks to a Helen Nelson penalty and Rhona Lloyd try.
A Lana Skeldon try got the second half of to a great start for Scotland but a Lindsay Peat try plus a conversion and two penalties put Ireland into an 18-13 lead.
It looked like the game was drifting away from the Scots, but they dug deep for the late rally.