The Women’s Rugby Scottish Varsity Match spelled victory for the Edinburgh Wildcats, triumphing 41-7 over St Andrew’s on 25th September.
The full moon shone over the Saints Sport rugby ground as friends and fans welcomed the teams with cheers to the pitch. Edinburgh’s strong start took the Saints off guard, and only four minutes in, left wing Ruth Egerton scored the first try of the night, giving the Wildcats the early lead.
The ladies struck again in the 15th minute as right wing Seren Davies broke through to land their second try, bringing the score to 10-0 for Edinburgh not even a quarter of the way into the game.
The points advantage never rendered the Wildcats complacent, however. With 10 minutes left in the first half, Edinburgh gained significant ground after winning a scrum, leading to another incredible try and conversion from inside centre Niamh Waters.
The Saints were feeling the heat and fought back, stopping another potential try, but soon the whistle blew. The score was 17-0 to Edinburgh, ending the first half with confidence.
St Andrews were determined to push back as Edinburgh launched into the second half with strength. Good tackling came from both sides, but the Wildcats once again showed their skill in back-to-back scrums, leading to a try for number 16 Issy Drury. Number 21, vice-captain Alice Mason, added to their strength, scoring a try deep in the opposition’s territory.
By no means were Edinburgh done, and after a phenomenal offensive it was a second try and conversion for Drury. Time was running out for St Andrews, but after a valiant effort, they finally scored a try and conversion with 6 minutes left on the clock. Much to their credit, the Saints remained resolute, though it was not enough this year.
One last scrum in overtime gave Edinburgh their final try, planted by number 20 Chloe Simpson. A conversion ended the match on a high note, and the jubilation from the visiting Edinburgh fans drowned out the final whistle.
The score was 41-7 to Edinburgh, with player of the match going to Niamh Waters.
EULRFC President Tilly Cunningham said that this was “the best outcome” and that they could not have been happier with the result. The Edinburgh ladies have once again proved themselves as the worthy victors in this classic rivalry; hopefully they carry this energy with them for the rest of the season.
Image by Isadora Szymanski for The Student.
