MATCH REPORT: Scotland U18 v Italy U18

Scotland U18 Head Coach, Ross Miller, said: “The players are disappointed not to get the result but it was a good learning experience for them.

“I thought there were some real positives in the way we attacked and how we kept possession, however, it is a credit to the Italian side as they took their opportunities in the second-half.”

It was Italy who put the first points on the board at Gillman’s Ground as hooker Tommaso Di Bartolemeo crossed the line with six minutes on the clock before Ferrarin converted. (0-7)

Scotland came straight back into the game, showing good pace and gaining ground, earning a penalty inside the Italy 22. The end result of a period of sustained pressure was a try for centre Matt Currie off the back of a well-judged pass from Jamie Dobie. Harry Patterson converted to level the score. (7-7)

There was little to choose between the two sides with possession going back and forth with some scrappy play before Patterson made a clean break on the wing at the 25 minute mark to take Scotland into the lead. (12-7)

Scotland had the momentum after the restart were soon making inroads into Italian territory but possession continued to see-saw between the sides.

HALF-TIME: Scotland U18 12-7 Italy U18

Alex Harley got the second half underway and an unforced error from Italy gave Scotland a scrum in the Italy 22. Scotland looked to be heading for another score but despite the pressure and possession it didn’t translate into points.

After an evenly-matched 15 minutes with both sides showing pace and physicality Scotland were driving up to the line but were thwarted by Italy and Tommaso Menoncello was shown a yellow card.

With a penalty awarded Scotland opted to go for the points and Patterson successfully added three to take Scotland further into the lead. (15-7)

With Italy down to 14 men, Scotland capitalised and it wasn’t long before Patterson had earned another three points. (18-7)

Italy looked motivated after the restart and continually tested the Scottish defence who held strong. The young Scots made a huge defensive effort but with just one minute left to go Andrea Pancini scored for Italy. (18-14)

As the clock turned red Scotland looked to have done enough but a late score from Italy’s Fabio Schiabel in the last play edged them the win. A disappointing result for the Scots, but plenty of positives to take from their performance as they look ahead to the next fixture. (18-19).

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FULL-TIME: Scotland U18 (12) 18-19 (7) Italy U18

Scotland U18: 15. Nathan Sweeney*; 14. Harry Patterson, 13. Matt Currie*, 12. Scott King*, 11. Finlay Callaghan; 10. Alex Harley, 9. Jamie Dobie* (C); 1. Ben Mace, 2. Scott Clelland*, 3. Dan Gamble*, 4. Alex Samuel, 5. Struan Whitaker*, 6. Gregor Brown, 7. Harri Morris, 8. Ben Muncaster

Replacements:16. James Johnstone*, 17. Jamie Drummond, 18. Cole Lamberton, 19. Jamie Campbell, 20. Rory Jackson*, 21. Cameron Scott*, 22. Joseph Strain, 23. Cameron Furley, 24. Josh King*, 25. Jordan Craig, 26. Tom Jones

*Fosroc Academy supported player

Italy U18: 15. Luca Gruttadauria; 14. Andrea Pancini, 13. Tommaso Menoncello, 12. Filippo Drago, 11. Simone Gesi; 10. Mattia Ferrarin, 9. Manfredi Albanese Ginammi; 1. Dorin Tica, 2. Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 3. Ion Neculai, 4. Luca Adorni, 5. Riccardo Favretto, 6. Andrea Angelone, 7 Luca Andreani (C), 8. Lorenzo Cannone

Replacements:16. Matteo Fontana, 17. Thomas Sassi, 18. Giacomo Ravagnan, 19. Marco Ruffato, 20. Matteo Meggiato, 21. Stephen Varney, 22. Nicholas Bordin, 23. Leonardo Marin, 24. Daniele Ulisse, 25. Fabio Schiabel, 26. Umberto Marocchi