Edinburgh secure major play off

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Edinburgh's Emma Orr is tackled by Clovers' Alana McInerney during a Celtic Challenge match Edinburgh Rugby Women and Clovers at Hive Stadium, on February 03, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Inspired by Emma Orr’s attacking prowess, the home side made a thrilling comeback from 21-5 down to charge into a 35-21 win, scoring 28 unanswered points, in front of 1,012 home fans.

The Clovers scored the opening try of the game against the run of play, regathering a speculative kick through. Edinburgh replied almost instantly, with Emma Orr bursting through the midfield before Edinburgh went through the phases – Molly Poolman eventually crashing over.

Nicole Flynn then saw yellow, which proved to be a turning point. The Clovers made their advantage count, scoring two tries in quick succession to establish a commanding lead. With Flynn back on the field, the home side hit back quickly, Orr again involved. The centre broke free, and offloaded to Millie Whitehouse who scored her second in as many games.

With the wind at their back in the second half Edinburgh never looked back. Nicole Marlow added three points from the tee, before Orr scored a scorching solo try to make it a one point game. Scotland’s player of the year received the ball near half way, before finding a gap and showing a clean pair of heels to the defence.

The Biggar flyer was causing havoc, but it was fellow Biggar product Sarah Denholm who put Edinburgh into the lead. The captain showed dummied well near the line before crashing over to give Edinburgh the lead for the first time.

Briar McNamara added another penalty to make things more comfortable, before the impressive Lisa Thomson thundered over in the last play to seal another historic win.