The host nation were last on with back-to-back games against France and Scotland. Head coach Lillicrap ensured every player started a game in the 35 minute matches and now the players can look forward to clashes with Ireland and England.
There was a tough opening for the Welsh girls against a French team packed full of pace and power. Les Bluettes had already warmed-up with a 34-0 win over the Scots before taking on Wales.
WALES 12 – 31 FRANCE
The game started at a high intensity, and it soon became obvious the Welsh side were clearly up for the battle. But it was Guillaume Lafont’s side, who scored the first try of the afternoon with lock Anna Daniel crossing after 10 minutes.
A few moments later Daniel picked up her second try to extend France’s advantage with Charlie Gauyat adding the extras.
Wales charge into the French
Wales continued to battle hard and in the 14th minute it looked as if France were about to score their third try of the afternoon, but an excellent tackle by Hannah Lane managed to thwart the French captain Fagnen Perrine.
It wasn’t long before they did score their third try as the excellent French full back Emy Baudru burst through to extend the lead to 17 points.
Undeterred, Wales hit back with their first try of the Festival when hooker Shanelle Williams, from the East Player Development Centre and Hartpury College, burst over.
Further French tries flowed from Piscicelli Fautine and Kalea Berroyer but Wales continued to fight to the end, and they had the final word with a blockbusting try from Evie Hill. Hanna Marshall added the conversion to ensure Wales ended on a high ahead of their clash with Scotland.
WALES 12 – 0 SCOTLAND
A completely new starting XV, captained by scrum half Seren Lockwood, faced the Scots and it took some time for them to settle.
The Scots lost full back Hannah Smyth to an early yellow card for a high tackle and a few moments later after a period of pressure, the home side managed to capitalise on the Scots being down to 14 players.
Wales on the attack against Scotland
From a penalty five metres out, Lockwood weaved her way through a sea of players to score the first try of the match. Saran Jones was successful with the conversion.
Wales No 8 Jorja Aiono picked up the first of her two yellow cards in the 12th minute, but Scotland failed to make their extra player count. The game continued to stop and start frequently with neither team getting into a real rhythm.
Aiono was shown her second yellow shortly after returning, but despite being down to 14 players Wales increased their lead when Ffion Davies crossed in the right corner after some great back line passing.
