Ireland's senior women's side were still waiting for the first Triple Crown win and it always looked a remote possibility against a well organised Scottish team at Anglesea Road yesterday.

The hosts stood off the Scots in the early stages and this allowed them to capitalise with right wing Denise Fairbairn availing of an overlap to go over on the right.

The Scots were equally formidable up front with wing forward Jennie Sheerin particularly impressive. And on 20 minutes, they increased the lead when a wellheeled scrum enabled number eight Donna Kennedy to pounce to secure the touchdown.

Ireland, to their credit, tightened up considerably after that and seemed to have scored, only to pulled back for a five-yard scrum.

So it came as something as a disappointment for the home following when Scotland breached the Irish line again, with Michelle Cave claiming the third try of the afternoon.

IRELAND: S Ramsbottom; C Evans, C A Byrne, R Currie, L Nichol; R Shrieves, F Devaney; O Brown, J Hanrahan, D Campbell, L Noade, T Kennedy, J O'Gorman, F Steed, M Myles. Replacements: F Neary, S Cosgrave, R Byrne, M Hayes.

SCOTLAND: A McGrandles; D Fairbairn, K Littlejohn, K Craigie, P Patterson; R Lewis, P Chalmers; J Taylor, S Scott, K Findlay, M McHardy, L Cockburn, J Afseth, J Sheerin, D Kennedy. Replacements: M Cave, J Higgins.

Referee: S Buggy (Leinster).