Wales Women’s U20s comeback falls narrowly short

Wales Women’s U20s staged a remarkable second half comeback but narrowly missed out on a win in the opening game on tour against USA Women’s Under 20s in Canada.

Jenna De Vera’s side were 28-5 behind just after half-time before they rallied and scored 22 unanswered points to just miss out on a first historic win against the USA at Elms Rugby Park, Ottawa, with a 28-27 defeat.

Wales now face the hosts, Canada Women’s U20s, in the next game on the North American tour at Elms Rugby Park on Thursday, July 13 (K0: 6:30pm local time).

Wales produced a second-half performance full of grit, determination and real character in only the second meeting between the two sides at U20s level.

The visitors crossed for tries by wing Nel Metcalfe, fullback Bethan Adkins, centre Ellie Tromans and replacement Masie Davies all getting on the scoresheet in the Canadian capital.

Wales had opened the scoring with a try by wing Metcalfe after five minutes before USA replied and took the lead with two tries of their own to make it 14-5 at half-time.

Lock Nikki Lynch, wing Serena Vualono, fullback Ashley Cowdrey and centre Tiahna Padilla, who all crossed for tries, looked to have given the USA an unassail able 28-5 lead just after the break.

But Wales produced comeback against the odds to claw themselves back into the game for the next 30 minutes to give them real confidence when they face Canada at the same venue next week.