Plucky Wales fall just short against Scotland as new coach's first game ends in defeat

Wales Women’s first game under new head coach Sean Lynn ended in a narrow defeat as they were beaten 24-21 by Scotland in their Six Nations opener.

An eventful game played in wet conditions in Edinburgh saw both sides awarded red cards, while the hosts had two tries chalked off for obstruction. While Wales led for nearly all of the first half, Scotland edged ahead before tries from Abbie Fleming and Gwenllian Pyrs set up a nerve-wracking finale at the Hive Stadium.

The Scots held on to seal historic back-to-back wins over Wales, but Lynn - who only started in his new role on Monday - will have seen plenty to like from his side ahead of their huge clash with England at the Principality Stadium next weekend.

A bright start from Wales saw lively scrum-half Keira Bevan make an early dart for the line only for debutant Maisie Davies to spill the ball under pressure. But the visitors would strike first as, moments later, a well-worked lineout move led to Carys Phillips powering over from close range to score the first try of the Lynn era.

Bevan converted but the early setback kicked Scotland into action, as they went through the phases and immediately put the Welsh defence under pressure.While it held firm, Lynn’s side were pinged for high tackles on more than one occasion with their poor discipline putting the ball back into opposition hands.

It looked as though Scotland had got their noses in front as captain Rachel Malcolm bundled over shortly before the half hour mark. But as Wales looked to kick off again after Helen Nelson converted, a TMO review saw the score chalked off for obstruction.

The decision clearly irked the hosts as they threw themselves forward in attack, but Wales held strong while Bevan also continued to