Hillhead Jordanhill Women 1st XV 12 points Watsonian Women 1st XV 42 points
On a fine afternoon for running rugby at Hughenden, visitors Watsonians played with pace and direction in this Premiership league match, exhibiting handling skills which their spirted hosts could not equal or counter to win by 7 tries, 3 of which were converted to 2 tries and a conversion.
Despite playing against the wind in the first half, Watsonians were quickly into their stride exposing home midfield defensive frailties to score out wide on the right wing. Then a driven line out close range maul brought another try for the visitors who followed with a fine midfield move leading to a try between the posts which was converted. For their part, Hills women were competing well in the first phase with their line out forwards, Eve Thomson and Tallulah Armstrong jumping well, and the scrum yielded little against bigger opponents. Yet despite a fair share of possession, Hills women could do little with hard won ball with poorish kicking from hand and weak follow up talking.
Hills finally troubled the scoreboard thanks to a breakaway try from Roma Fraser who profited from loose Watsonian ball which she picked up to scamper in from 65 metres out to touch down. Amanda Jane added the extras and Hills women were beginning to look a bit more confident but once again poorish home tackling let the visitors in again to end the first half 22-7 points ahead.
Unfortunately the second half found Hills women principally in defence and their cause was not helped by the loss of their influential no.8 Debbie Lee to injury. Watsonians continued to move the ball well and run hard for the full second half. The score moved inexorably to 41-7 for the visitors with little sign of any phase building from Hills women. Yet a spirited last few minutes saw Hills on the attack with a half break from Amanda Jane creating enough space for Hills flying full back Roma Fraser to force her way over for her second try.
The game finished then with Watsonians winning 41-12. The margin did not flatter the victors as their bright, flowing style of play was too much for Hills women to compete with, Next Saturday, October 21 , Hills women entertain Corstorphine at Hughenden with a 14.00 KO.
