Scotland Women warmed up for the 2010 World Cup with gutsy 20-15 win over Ireland at Lasswade today.

The Scots conceded an unconverted try without reply in each of the first two 20 minute periods of the uncapped international from Amy Davis and Eliza Downey however in the third period (of 40 minutes) they ran in three tries to overtake the Irish and secure the victory.

Head coach Gary Parker said: “We played well today. That was probably the most complete performance from start to finish that I’ve seen from this team.

“We’ve asked a lot of the players over the last six months and have really worked hard on improving the fitness and intensity of the play but also increase the players’ game knowledge.

“Today in particular the decision making in the scrum, lineout and breakdown was excellent.”

Wing Celia Hawthorn opened the scoring just eight minutes into the second “half” with her first try for Scotland before a try from Louise Dalgliesh drew the scores level four minutes later 10-10.

A purple patch for Nicola Halfpenny then saw her double Scotland’s points tally as she slotted the conversion, scored Scotland’s third try (her first for Scotland) and the sent a penalty through the sticks, 20-10.

Ireland then bounced back with their third try of the match from Nora Stapleton to end the game.

FINAL SCORE: 20-15

The match was Scotland’s final preparation fixture ahead of the flagship women’s international competition, and the first since World Cup squad selection three weeks ago.

Scotland Women Rugby World Cup squad
Alison Macdonald (RHC Cougars), Beth Dickens (Murrayfield Wanderers), Celia Hawthorn (Edinburgh University), Donna Kennedy (Worcester), Erin Kerr (London Wasps), Gillian McCord (RHC Cougars), Heather Lockhart (Hillhead / Jordanhill), Katy Green (Murrayfield Wanderers), Keri Holdsworth (Watsonians), Lindsay Wheeler (Darlington Mowden Sharks), Louise Dalgliesh (RHC Cougars), Louise Moffat (Murrayfield Wanderers), Lucy Millard (Team Northumbria), Lynne Reid (RHC Cougars), Lynsey Douglas (London Wasps), Nicola Halfpenny (Melrose), Rosalind Murphy (Edinburgh University), Ruth Slaven (Murrayfield Wanderers), Sarah Gill (Murrayfield Wanderers), Sarah-Louise Walker (Watsonians), Stephanie Johnston (Hillhead / Jordanhill), Susannah Brown (Richmond), Suzi Newton (Team Northumbria), Tess Forsberg (Murrayfield Wanderers), Tanya Griffith (RHC Cougars), Veronica Fitzpatrick (RHC Cougars)