CANADA CRUSH DEFIANT DEVELOPMENT

Throughout the match Canada’s exceptional pace ripped the Development defence, with no less than five of the Canadian tries coming from distance. 

Canada pulled in 10 points within the first 10 minutes, with centre pairing Sarah Ulmer and Nat Mailman claiming a try apiece.  They added a further five tries in the first half through Katie Murray, Erika Smortchevsky, Heather Moyse (2) and Mandy Marchak, with the boot of Anna Schnell bringing in an extra four points. 

Wales rang the changes for the second half, with Hayley Baxter, Rachel Taylor and Caryl Thomas coming on to rejuvenate the side. 

Canada started the second half with the same power as the first, with the talented backline combining to release Collette McCauley to cross for an unconverted try. 

Throughout the game, Wales Development continually pushed for possession and tackled tirelessly.  In the 11th minute of the second half, their efforts were rewarded through some excellent skills from Sarah Simkin, who ghosted through a number of Canadian defenders to cross for Wales’ only try of the game.  Paula Mullen converted to bolster the points. 

Unconcerned by Wales’ movement onto the scoreboard, Canada regained control with Katie Murray and Maria Gallo crossing once each and Mandy Marchak adding another two to finish her hat-trick.  Anna Schnell converted one to finish the scoring at 7-66. 

WWRU Manager, Jilly Holroyd was optimistic about Wales Development’s performance

“The Canada XV were by far the toughest opposition the Development squad have faced this season.  Credit must go to their tenacity and although it was a heavy defeat, there were some good individual performances, particularly from players returning from injuries.”  

Wales Development

Mared Evans; Abby King; Christie Thompson; Sophie Edwards; Jenna Gregg; Paula Mullen; Becky Davies; Hannah Roberts; Nicola John; Laura Murphy; Louise Akers; Sarah Simkin; Helen Amos; Nicola Evans; Vikki Gaylard; Tanya Davies; Caryl Thomas; Rachel Taylor; Eirlys Lougher; Rhiannon Evans; Kerry Jenkins; Hayley Baxter

Canada XV

Heather Moyse; Colette McCauley; Sarah Ulmer; Nat Mailman; Mandy Marchak; Anna Schnell; Sommer Christie; Kim McDonald; Leslie Mackenzie; Summer Yeo; Dawn Macdonald; Rania Burns; Maureen McMahon; Erika Smortchevsky; Katie Murray; Racquel Eldridge; Leslie Cripps; Paige Burdett; Gillian Florence; Erin Dance; Kelly McCallum; Maria Gallo