Glasgow Warriors Back-Up 39-11 Scotland Under-20
Scotland under-20s’ 6 Nations preparations began today in a hard-fought warm-up match against Glasgow Warriors’ back-up side in the cold and wind at the Warriors’ training base at Whitecraig’s. The 20s were seeking a tough, physical test in the run-in to their 6 Nations championship and received exactly that as the professional outfit fielded 12 full-time professionals, including four internationalists, in their starting XV (Andrew Henderson, Johnnie Beattie, Opeta Palepoi and Jose Maria Nunez Piossek).PICTURED: Adam McKenzie scored the under-20s’ only try of the afternoon. Scotland under-20s’ 6 Nations preparations began today in a hard-fought warm-up match against Glasgow Warriors’ back-up side in the cold and wind at the Warriors’ training base at Whitecraig’s. The 20s were seeking a tough, physical test in the run-in to their 6 Nations championship and received exactly that as the professional outfit fielded 12 full-time professionals, including four internationalists in their starting XV (Andrew Henderson, Johnnie Beattie, Opeta Palepoi and Jose Maria Nunez Piossek).The young age-grade side remained solid throughout the first half and went in at the break just five points adrift. However, after keeping the Warriors in reach for the most of the second half, Glasgow’s forwards powered over five second-half tries.The Scots started well and matched the tempo of their professional opponents, showing plenty of fight and determination, and soon converted their efforts into points with an early penalty from full-back Peter Horne. However Horne’s opposite number, Glasgow full-back Colin Shaw, touched down shortly after which Colin Gregor converted.The Warriors then edged further in front with their second try. This time from Chris Kinloch who received a wide pass from Shaw who noticed the winger’s opportunity to take advantage of an overlap.The Scots fought back with a late try from Heriot’s back-row Struan Dewar but it wasn’t enough to take the lead at the break.Half time: 12-8Twelve minutes into the second period, flanker Stevie Swindall was next to touch down, taking advantage of the extra numbers as one member of the under-20s found himself in the sin bin. Gregor made no mistake with the effort directly in front of the posts.Horne slotted another penalty to narrow the gap to eight points once more but, after the hour mark, gaps in the young side started to open up and Glasgow used their forward dominance to run in a further four tries through Pat McArthur, Opeta Palepoi, Alex Dunbar and Richie Vernon.Full time: 39-11