Edinburgh Rugby Women fall to clinical Clovers

Despite the result, Claire Cruikshank’s side can return to Scotland with their heads held high following a spirited second-half resurgence that saw them dominate large spells of territory and possession.

The hosts ignited the scoreboard after 13 minutes of play. Following a period of tight handling near the Edinburgh defensive line, the ball was offloaded to Aoife Corey, who found a gap and scampered in from 30 metres out.

While Edinburgh’s goal-line defence was often heroic, the Clovers’ pressure eventually told again as Jemima Adams Verling powered over from close range to extend the lead.

The Irish side further asserted their authority through winger Chisom Ugwueru, who “put on the burners” to finish a clinical move in the corner.

Shortly before the interval, Ellie O’Sullivan Sexton executed a pinpoint cross-field kick to find Ugwueru once more; the winger showcased tidy footwork to stay in-bounds and secure her brace, leaving Edinburgh facing a 24-0 deficit at the break.

The second half, however, belonged to the visitors’ grit. Edinburgh never stopped fighting and were desperately unlucky not to close the gap on several occasions.

Replacement Lisa Brown nearly notched an incredible solo effort, embarking on a determined 40-metre scramble for the line, only to be agonisingly held up by the Clovers’ defence.

The visitors finally earned the reward their defensive shift deserved when replacement Hannah McMahon wrestled over the line, aided by the sheer power of her pack.

Although Beth Buttimer added a final score for the hosts to add some gloss to the final tally, Edinburgh can leave the Dexcom Stadium proud of a resilient second-half performance that asked serious questions of their opponents.