Non Evans opened the scoring in the first minute with a penalty which was closely followed by a try for the Full Back after Hayley Baxter made a break up the wing. Good rucking by the Welsh forwards provided clean ball for the back line and Evans went over for her first of two tries.
Wales dominated the first half and a couple of minutes before the break, the Welsh forwards secured good lineout ball, Centre Rhian Williams found the gap and winger Hayley Baxter scored in the corner.
Spain applied the pressure in the second half, with some good running from hooker, Isabel Rodriguez, but superb tackling by the Welsh side denied the visitors any real chances.
Wales extended their lead with twenty minutes remaining when Claire Flowers cut through the Spanish defence. Hooker Jamie Kift finished things off and Awen Thomas converted bringing the score to 22-0.
But Wales weren’t finished, Openside Kylie Wilson took a quick tap penalty in the Spanish 22, Replacement Scrum Half Kerry Jenkins delivered good ball from the ruck and Non Evans paced through the defence to score under the posts. In the last minute winger Claire Flowers made a superb run down the wing adding the final points, bringing the score to 34-0.
Ayla Rose, Esther Eckley and Jenny Davies all won their first international caps.
The Welsh Coach, Phil John commented, “It’s a reasonable start for us. There is lots more to do but I am pleased with the overall performance.”
Wales face England next Friday night at the Cardiff Arms Park (7.15pm KO) England beat current champions France 57-0 at Twickenham on Saturday morning and will prove tough opposition for the Welsh side but today’s performance was inspired and will boost the confidence in the team before next week’s big clash.
Wales ‘A’ also won, beating England students 22-10. Tries from Karen Mayze, Louise Horgan and Emma Phillips secured the victory for the development side at Crosskeys RFC. The forwards dominated up front allowing the backs to play some good running rugby. The English side stepped up a gear in the second half but the Welsh defence was solid. They now face England Academy on the 23rd March.
The Welsh U19s squad fly out to Miami on Monday to play in the NAWIRA Rugby festival where they will face USA U19s and Canada U19s in the week-long tournament.
