BRAVE SCOTS BATTLE ALL THE WAY BUT COME UP JUST SHORT

Scotland fought all the way in their first outing of the season yesterday, but in the end fell just short against the team ranked fifth in the world, writes STUART BATHGATE.

The Scots were 17-16 ahead at the end of a first half in which the lead changed hands four times.

Lana Skeldon and Rhona Lloyd both touched down, with Helen Nelson converting both tries and adding a penalty. But, in a second 40 in which both sides tired, the United States’ Hope Rogers got the only score to give her team a narrow win.

Scotland have a second pre-World Cup warm-up match to come, against Spain a fortnight today.

The squad have had a tough time in recent weeks, with the news that the family of their late team-mate Siobhan Cattigan are taking legal action against Scottish Rugby as they allege that lack of proper treatment contributed to her death late last year.

But the team’s morale looked good in this game, and head coach Bryan Easson was encouraged by their attitude.

“Considering that is the first game in four months after a tough pre-season building up to the World Cup, I thought the performance was excellent,” he said.

“There were some real positives and some work-ons as well. To be in the game up until the last play against a top-five side in the world is testament to the group.

“The one thing that pleased me was 23 players have had good game time going into our big goal.”