Ireland Women kept their home record intact last night with a 20 – 0 win against Scotland.

First half tries from Sophie Spence and Ashleigh Baxter plus a Niamh Briggs conversion gave Ireland a 12 – 0 lead going into the break and, going on previous performances, Ireland were expected to cut lose in the second half. Unfortunately for the viewing audience at home, a resolute Scottish defence and a few spilled passes limited the “Girls in Green” to a Briggs penalty and an Alison Millar try.

Ireland started the game strongly and were on the scoreboard early with lock Spence crossing for her second try this series after good work by Briggs. With Briggs adding the conversion Ireland led 7 – 0.

The home team where unable to follow up on their impressive start and Scotland worked their way back into the game with the visitors enjoying long periods of possession. Despite having several kick-able penalties the Scottish players chose to run the ball on each occasion only to find Ireland’s resolute defence up to the task.

Ireland did look slicker with the ball in hand, with Niamh Kavanagh a constant threat, but a few ropey line outs at crucial times let Scotland off the hook.

Ireland eventually clicked again, this time a Lynne Cantwell break and some slick passing found Baxter clear on the wing and the flying fullback didn’t need a second invitation to sprint for the corner to give Ireland a 12 – 0 lead which was how it remained till half time.

Ireland came close at the start of the second period with Grace Davitt almost making the line after a a strong charge from prop Ailis Egan, but despite coming up short the home side were awarded a penalty which Briggs slotted over to move the score to 15 – 0.

Ireland brought on Larissa Muldoon, Gill Bourke, Shannon Houston and Jenny Murphy to try and shake things up in the final quarter but Scotland managed to keep their line intact until a charge down from Marie Louise Reilly, and some quick thinking by Fiona Coghlan, sent Millar clear for Ireland’s final score. Briggs missed the conversion from out wide and Ireland closed the game out to win 20 – 0.

It’s a pity things didn’t just quite click for the Irish girls in this match, particularly as it was being broadcast live, though I must say I enjoyed Nora Stapleton’s input in the commentary.

From an Ulster perspective it’s also disappointing that Stacey Lea Kennedy and Nikki Caughey missed out as it was an ideal game for both to make an impact. Kennedy’s much improved lineout throwing might have helped Ireland consolidate attacking positions and Caughey certainly has the ball skills to open up defences.

Ireland have set up a cracking encounter for next weekend when they take on England at Esher RFC on St. Patrick’s Day. Both sides will be going for the triple crown and, depending on today’s result between France and England, the championship may be up for grabs as well.  It’s a big game for the Irish  girls who have played some outstanding rugby this season.

IRELAND: Ashleigh Baxter, Niamh Kavanagh, Niamh Briggs, Grace Davitt, Alison Miller, Lynne Cantwell, Amy Davis, Fiona Coghlan, Paula Fitzpatrick, Ailis Egan, Sophie Spence, Marie Louise Reilly, Laura Guest, Claire Molloy, Joy Neville. Replacements: Gillian Bourke, Ruth O’Reilly, Siobhan Fleming, Heather O’Brien, Larissa Muldoon, Shannon Houston, Jennifer Murphy.