MATCH REPORT | Scotland U18 24 – 45 England U18

Scotland U18 lost out 24-45 to a physical England U18 outfit at the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach, on Sunday afternoon in their final game of the 2017 U18 International Series. In what was a close affair in the first-half, Scotland produced an impressive performance and were five points a drift from England at the break after two converted tries put pressure on the English defence.The second chapter of the match saw England gain control and run out as eventual winners after gaining momentum in the final quarter, despite Scotland’s best efforts in attack to draw themselves level after the break.Scotland U18 Head Coach, Ally Donaldson, said: “The result didn’t reflect how close the match was, as it was a performance full of effort and skill from Scotland.We were 19-19 with 16 minutes to go and camped on England’s line when we gave away a penalty which they tapped and run the length. It knocked the wind out our sails but it shouldn’t detract from our performance.”Overall, a very satisfying campaign for our boys, which showed improvement in each game and provided a massive education all round.”After 12 minutes, it was England who took an early lead with a try left unconverted before Scotland showed their intent in attack moments later.Centre Rory McMichael made the most of possession in the 22 and crossed for Scotland’s first try with out-half Ross Thompson adding the extras to go in front.England responded swiftly with another try and a conversion to keep the scores close before Thompson pushed a penalty wide of the sticks which hasd the potential to extend Scotland’s narrow lead.The interval soon approached and England had the final say with a third try providing them with the upper hand at the break.Half-time: Scotland U18 14 – 19 England U18Minutes into the second-half, Scotland drew level with winger Jack Blain touching down as Thompson narrowly missed the conversion.The momentum swung once again in the 54th minute and it was England who recorded a converted try to gain back control. Scotland then utilised the bench with James McCaig, Jack Hutchinson and Calum Renwick looking to impact play but England went on the attack once more and were rewarded with a converted try to extend their lead.England claimed two further scores to cement their victory before Roan Frostwick restored Scottish pride after snatching the final try of the match.Full-time: Scotland U18 24 – 45 England U18Scotland U18: James McCaig; Jack Blain, Rory McMichael, Grant Hughes, Jacob Lineen; Ross Thompson, Gus Warr; Andrew Nimmo, Finlay Scott, Euan McLaren, Marshall Sykes, Oliver Cattell, Drew Davison, Connor Boyle CAPTAIN, Rory Darge. Replacements: Calum Renwick, Murphy Walker, Dan York, Jack McLean, Jack Hutchinson, Roan Frostwick, Matt Davidson, Jon Searle, Will Owen. Image: gerry/gpfoto.ie