Scotland U19 17-21 Georgia U20

The Scotland U19 development squad came close to an incredible comeback from 18-0 down against the Georgia U20s at Meggetland this afternoon.The visitors took a 19th minute lead through a penalty by scrum-half Gela Aprasidze from in front of the posts and just before the break winger Akaki Tabutsadze went over for the opening try of the game and Georgia led 8-0.Georgian winger Davit Meskhi scored his team’s second try and Beka Mamukshvili went over from close range to extend their lead to 18-0.But Scotland never gave up and came battling back. Back-rower Tom Dodd scored from five yards out and Ayr centre Stafford McDowell then scored the first of two tries. Tedo Abzhandadze kicked a penalty for Georgia, before McDowell scored from 25 yards out to bring Scotland to within four points of the visitors.Scotland tried to get the all-important winning score but time wasn’t on their side and Georgia managed to hold on for the win.Scotland team: Ben Appleson (Edinburgh Academicals)*; Kyle Roe (Falkirk), Stafford McDowall (Ayr), Cammy Hutchison CAPTAIN (Currie)**, Logan Trotter (Stirling County)*; Paddy Dewhirst (Ayr), Kaleem Barreto (Glenalmond College)*; Shaun Gunn (Edinburgh Academicals), Robbie Smith (Ayr)*, Fergus Bradbury (Stirling County/Oban Lorne)*, Dean Roger (Edinburgh Academicals)*, Jamie Hodgson (Stewart’s Melville)*, Andrew Horne (Hawick)*, Daniel Marek (Currie)*, Harry Henderson (Stirling County).Replacements: Jack Samuel (Cardiff Metropolitan University), George Thorton (Bishop Burton College), Finn Hobbis (Stew-Mel)*, George Bordill (Northumbria University),Tom Dodd (Worcester Warriors), Ruaridh Dawson (Newcastle Falcons), Connor Eastgate (Wasps), Will Brown (Ipswich School)* BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 2 player 2016/17** BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 3 player 2016/17