Scotland coach Gary Parker delighted as women gear up with victory over Ireland

Scotland's women rounded off their build-up to next month's World Cup in England on a winning note when they defeated Ireland 20-15 at Lasswade yesterday.

The match was played in three periods - two of 20 minutes and one of 40 minutes. The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges with tries from Amy Davis and Eliza Downey giving them a 10-0 lead after 40 minutes.

But Scotland raised the pace and tries by Celia Hawthorn and Louise Dalgliesh tied the scores. Then a brilliant spell from Nicola Halfpenny of Melrose saw her double Scotland's points tally as she slotted the conversion, scored her side's third try (her first for Scotland) and then sent a penalty through the sticks for good measure to open up a 20-10 lead for the home side.

Despite a late consolation score by Nora Stapleton for Ireland, the hosts emerged victorious.

Coach Gary Parker praised the high quality of the rugby his side had produced and said: "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 their play but also increasing the players' game knowledge.

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

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 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).