The fourth game of the season for Murrayfield Wanderers took place at home against city rivals Royal High. With both teams hoping for a win and Royal High looking to rectify their home loss, this game was set to be a close one!

The first 15 minutes saw three players make it over the try line. Laura Steven put the first points on the board at 5 minutes running a powerful line through the Cougars’ defence [Try not converted: 5-0]. Ten minutes in, Royal High fought over the line to equalise [Try not converted: 5-5]. A mere two minutes after the reset, new second row to the Wanderers, Lisa Robertson, pushed over the line for try number two [Try not converted: 10-5].

As play continued both teams fought hard and showed some exceptional skills; notable defending from Sarah Quick, Lisa Martin and Beth Dickens. Unfortunately for Royal High a yellow card for one of the props gave Wanderers the advantage, nevertheless they stood their ground and a well-placed kick from Louise Dalgliesh pushed Wandies back to their own five metre line.

After a number of equally matched scrums, the home team stepped up their game. Brilliant runs from the likes of Jen Cram, Helen Nelson and Suzy Hex saw Wandies push further up the pitch. With a full 15, Royal High made it difficult for Wandies to execute the play they wanted to, however, a high work rate in defence ensured Royal High didn’t cross the line again before half time. The same cannot be said for Wanderers as the ball was put down by Cat Ward after an impressive play through the hands [Try converted by Sarah Law: 17-5]. Cougars kept the pressure on for the remainder of the half especially after Wandies lost a player to the bin.

Half time score: 17 – 5.

Only five minutes into the second half Suzy Hex scored a storming try after a 25m run [Try not converted: 22-5]. Coming back just as strong, Royal High took advantage of the overlap and scored soon after [try not converted: 22-10].

Wanderers reassessed the situation and with a full 15 upped the pressure on Royal High. A brilliant run from Louise Pullan saw the Wanderers score go up again bringing it to 27 – 10 [Try not converted].

A break in play after an injury to one of the Royal High players gave both teams a chance to regroup. Cougars worked hard, forcing Wandies to defend for most of the remainder of the game. A number of committed one-on-one tackles by Sarah Gill ensured the score line didn’t change for the worse, however, Royal High managed to work the ball over the line before the end of play [Try not converted], bringing the final score to 27 – 15.

Full time score: 27 – 15.