Scotland 5 '“ 10 Spain: Scots lose first leg in World Cup bid

Scotland lost the first leg of their World Cup qualifier 10-5 to Spain at Scotstoun last night, but will still feel they can go through.

They will head to Madrid for Saturday’s second leg buoyed by the fact they caused their opponents plenty of problems.

The Scots started brightly and had a number of early attacks. Spain then put some width into their play and forced the Scots to concede a penalty. Stand-off Patricia Garcia kicked it to make the score 3-0.

Scotland did not panic, however, and made some good yards through full-back Chloe Rollie and winger 
Rhona Lloyd, but their final phases reequired a bit more composure.

In the 20th minute, home stand-off Helen Nelson tried an ambitious penalty effort from nearly 40 metres, but it dipped und er the crossbar.

At this point, the Scots were on the front foot and as the half-hour mark approached the play was all taking place in Spain’s half.

The try that Scotland’s 
pressure deserved finally came from second-row Deborah McCormack. The conversion was missed, but the Scots took a two-point lead.

Spain quickly hit back with a try of their own, though, centre Vanesa Rial crossing and Garcia converting to make it 10-5 to the visitors at half-time.

Spain carried on where they left off as the second half began and they thought they had scored again in the 45th minute. However, the TMO decided that the ball had been held up by dogged Scots defenders.

Scotland did find a second wind, however, and Rollie went close to scoring a second try for her side.

Forwards Rachel Malcolm and Sarah Bonar then came on for Scotland debuts and into the last ten minutes it was still 10-5.

The Spanish defence held firm as Scotland pressed in the final stages and they will be delighted to take an advantage into the home leg.