Spain's excellent run of form continued on the international women's rugby front as they defeated Scotland 28-13 in the first big clash of 2011.
A late flurry of scores helped to secure a convincing victory for the home side in Madrid as they gave a new-look Scotland side, captained by Susie Brown (pictured) an excellent work out before the 6 Nations.
Scotland, led by Susie Brown, featured seven uncapped players in their squad as they face a year of rebuilding following several retirmements after the World Cup.
Spain meanwhile came into the new year on the back of a fantastic 2010 when they were crowned FIRA's 15 and 7 aside champions. As hosts of this year's European Championships, the home side will deservedly be up there among the favourites for the title.
A promising start for the visitors though saw newcomer Caroline Collie put the Scots ahead after 10 minutes with a well-placed penalty.
The Spanish pack then had their say when a series of strong surges helped Isabel Rodriguez tp crash over the line.
After 25 minutes, a further successful penalty from Collie saw Scotland lead 5-6 but an almost identical pick-and-go from the Spanish saw them nail a second try three minutes later - this time Aroa González was the scorer.
The lead changed hands again eight minutes before the break, when Anna Swan crossed the whitewash, following a lineout. The conversion from Collie put the Scots 13-10 ahead, though a try right on 40 minutes from Spain saw the home side take the lead at half time when Patricia Garcia scored out wide.
After the break despite pressure from the Scots, it was Spain who added the next points to the board and as the visitors emptied their bench the Spanish surged ahead with a flurry of scores. A penalty and two furthre tries secured a convincing win.
Victory gives another boost to Spain who will be planning for the European Champions in May being held at A Coruña, Spain.
Scotland are still on the search for a new head coach but will be pleased to have had some game time for what is likely to be a tough season.
Spain:
1.- Nerea Otxoa, 2.- Aroa González, 3.- Rocío García, 4.-Amets Castrejana, 5.- María Ribera, 6.-Sara de la Llama, 7.-Lia Bailán, 8.-Ángela del Pan, 9.-Isabel Rodríguez, 10.-Marina Bravo, 11.-Elisabeth Martínez, 12.-Agurtzane Orbegozo, 13.- Marta Lliteras, 14.-Patricia García, 15.- Marta Pocurrull.
Substitutes: 16.- Eva Rincón, 17.-Meritxell Carreras (subst. number 4, min 61) 26.-Judit Rius (subst. 5, min 75), 19.- Ana Crespo, 20.-Isabel Dolera (subst. 10, min 76), 21.-Isis Velasco (subst. 11, min 72), 22.- Laura Esbrí.(subst. 12, min. 64).
Scotland:
1.-Heather Lockhart, 2.-Alison McDonald, 3.-Beth Dickens, 4.-Anna Swan, 5.-Lindsay Wheeler, 6.- Charlotte Lewis, 7.-Tess Forsberg, 8.-Susie Brown (c); 9.-Louise Dalgliesh, 10.-Lisa Martin, 11.-Katy Green, 12.-Stephanie Johnston, 13.- Victoria Blakebrough, 14.-Lauren Harris, 15.- Caroline Collie.
Substitutes: 16: Lindsay Smith; 17.- Tracy Balmer (subst. 3, min 41); 18.- Jenny Johnstone (subst. 7, min 41); 19,. Suzanne Mckerlie-Hex; 20.- Tanya Griffith; 21.-Lisa Ritchie; 22.-Nicola Halfpenny.
SCORING
0-3 (min.15) Penalty (Caroline Collie).
5-3 (min. 21) Try (Isabel Rodríguez).
5-6 (min.30) Penalty (Caroline Collie).
10-6 (min. 33) Try (Aroa González).
10-13 (min.36) Try (Anna Swan) + conversion (Caroline Collie).
15-13 (min.39) Try (Patricia García).
18-13 (min. 52) Penalty (Marina Bravo).
23-13 (min. 68) Try (Isabel Rodríguez).
28-13 (min. 79) Try (Laura Esbrí).
Thanks to Silvia Pascual for images and additional info.
