Leicester Tigers Women hosted a first-ever fixture at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Sunday with Edinburgh University providing the opposition on an historic afternoon.

Playing their first game against outside opposition following the introduction of the women’s and girls’ rugby programme at the club, back-rower Becky Noon had the honour of scoring the first try for the team on home ground, shortly after full-back Rachel Phillips had given the visitors the lead.

The visitors made good use of distributors in their backline to set up left wing Cieron Bell for two tries as they quickly turned defence into attack after some decent spells of possession for the Tigers.

But the first half came to a close with a second score for Tigers as replacement Sophie Todd surged over the line to cut the deficit to 19-10 at the break.

Scrum-half Holly McIntyre scored a fourth try for the Scots early in the second half before Tigers gained momentum through their scrum and driving maul which gained reward with a penalty try when it was taken down just short of the line.

The game finished 26-17 to the visitors but Vicky Macqueen, head of Tigers women’s and girls’ rugby programme, said: “This is a starting point in an exciting programme and it was just great to see the team come together and show such an attitude against a strong Edinburgh side which is among the best university squads in the country.”