History made as Glasgow Warriors Women win first ever game.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Glasgow's Mairi McDonald (R) in action during a Celtic Challenge Cup match between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby at Scotstoun Stadium, on February 15, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Calum Chittleburgh / SNS Group)

Edinburgh kicked off and maintained possession until a penalty allowed Glasgow to kick to ball into touch.  Despite a missed opportunity at the line out, Glasgow worked hard and were able to regain possession and force Edinburgh back downfield.

The first try of the game came just before the six-minute mark as a rolling line-out maul got close enough for Gemma Bell to pick and go over the line.  Briar McNamara slotted the ball for the extras giving Glasgow a seven-point lead.

Just a minute later, Mairi McDonald showed her experience as she grabbed the ball from the ruck and sped past the Edinburgh players down the line for a try from just within the Edinburgh half.  McNamara was once more on target to extend the lead to the home side.

Glasgow’s defensive efforts were working overtime as Edinburgh kicked to the corner for a line-out.  After a few phases of Edinburgh possession, Holland Bogan ripped the ball and regained possession for the Warriors.

Kate Yeoman’s quick over the ball winning turnover in the middle of the park, allowed Glasgow Warriors to regain control of the game after some Edinburgh control as the first quarter of time passed. A knock -on from Glasgow gave Edinburgh a scrum but McNamara was able to intercept a pass halfway across the park for Glasgow.  A few moments later, Glasgow were awarded a penalty for Edinburgh being off feet, and once more McDonald took a quick tap and rushed the Edinburgh defence.  A quick-thinking Glasgow attack saw Yeoman tap the ball down for her first try for the Warriors.  McNamara once more converts to give Glasgow a 19-point lead.

The score remained the same with play being controlled by a fired-up Glasgow team. Edinburgh worked hard in defence as Glasgow pressed hard as they sought another try. A kick from deep within the Edinburgh half was chased by Lucy McRae who then intercepted a pass to run in Edinburgh’s first try of the day from just outside the 22. McRae then converted her own try to give Edinburgh crucial points as the half time approached.

As the clock entered the final five minutes before half time, Edinburgh’s line out saw their driving maul gain territory and some phase play along the Glasgow defence before a penalty allowed them to once more kick to touch.  The second attempt from Edinburgh, saw their driving maul gain momentum and they were able to get the ball down.  Aila Ronald was the player on the score sheet, the conversion went wide making the score 19-12 to Glasgow at half time.

Glasgow Warriors kicked off for the second half keen to continue their scoring prowess from the first half.  The first try in the second half came after seven minutes through Abi Evans after McDonald got the ball out to Ceitidh Ainsworth who handed it off to Poppy Melanby who then found Evans on the wing.  McNamara was once more on target for the conversion added the points to Glasgow’s bonus point try.

Edinburgh looked close to scoring as the clock hit 60 minutes, but a loose ball saw Glasgow earn a scrum within their own 22.  Glasgow went through the phases until another penalty saw them able to kick the ball down field to close to Edinburgh’s 22.  A breakthrough the middle of the park from Captain Ailie Tucker and McNamara saw Glasgow get the ball down through Emily Norval on her debut after she stepped inside of the final Edinburgh player. McNamara was unable to convert but the try took the team over the 30-point mark.

In the final ten minutes of the game, McNamara scored Glasgow’s sixth and final try of the game as the team worked the ball across the pitch for her to run it in. Edinburgh looking to finish on a high, got the ball down in the final seconds of the game through Merryn Gunderson.  The conversion hit the post as the final whistle went to end the derby match. Final score Glasgow Warriors 36-17 Edinburgh Rugby.

Glasgow Warriors player Briar McNamara was awarded Player of the Match in the historic victory for the squad.

Head Coach Lindsey Smith was delighted with today’s win saying “I think the girls played really well today.  They put in that 80-minute performance which we have been looking for.

“They came out and scored six tries which is something we have never done in the competition before, so that is defintely something to celebrate.

“For myself and the other coaches, we definitely are most proud of is the defensive efforts the team put in from the beginning to the final whistle.

“The girls defended well and that is what set the tone for the day.  They shut down any opportunities Edinburgh had to attack.

“It was a team performance, and we saw some individuals’ really step up.  The whole second row were fantastic, especially around the breakdown. Gemma Bell, Emily Coughburgh and Freya Walker, was solid in defence. We also had some players playing out of position with Emily Norval and Poppy Melanby and I think they all did really well today.

“Really proud, we put in an 80-minute performance as a team and defensively we were really strong. Great to have a win at home as well!”