MATCH REPORT | Scotland U20 29 – 25 Wales U20

Scotland U20 created history with a last-gasp win 29-25 over their Welsh counterparts in a thriller tonight at Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi.Wing Darcy Graham crossed the whitewash in the 75th minute to score his second try of the match and snatch the victory in a dramatic finish.The victory guaranteed at least a sixth place finish for John Dalziel’s side, bettering their previous best of eight, which was achieved in last year’s competition.It was Wales, however, who opened the scoring as they intercepted a wayward Eastgate pass from the set-piece and unleashed back-row Will Jones for the try (0-5).Scotland responded with a try of their own on 14 minutes, when slick handling from the backline allowed Graham space in the outside channels to run in for the score. Eastgate bettered his opposite man and out his side ahead with the conversion (7-5).Dalziel’s charges looked upbeat and extended their lead seven minutes later when centre Ross McCann stepped back against the grain and powered through the final defender for the score. Eastgate’s again added the extras to give Scotland a nine-point lead (14-5).The helter-skelter affair continued when Wales’ replied with a score just two minutes later through centre Ioan Nicholas, who scuttled in under the sticks. Arwel Robson made amends for his earlier miss and closed the gap to just two points (14-12).The retort was prompt and this time it was captain Hunter-Hill who touched down to extends Scotland’s lead, following another impresside drving maul from his side. Eastgate’s conversion attempt struck the post (19-12).It looked as though it was déjà vu as the clock went red to mark the end of the half, as a driving lineout maul travelled over the Welsh whitewash. The TMO, however, deemed it was a Welsh hand under the ball and the whistle was blown to mark the end of the half.HALF-TIME: Scotland U20 19 – 12 Wales U20Wales Robson fired home two penalties either side of a successful Eastgate kick in the third quarter (22-18).The men in red’s persistence in attack paid off on 69 minutes when Robson fought to stay on the paddock and touched down in the corner. The stand-off added the extras to his own score to give his side a 25-22 lead as the match entered the final ten minutes.Scotland, however, were not in the mood to back down and regained the lead with just five minutes left on the clock when Graham scooped up a loose ball and displayed magnificent feet and added a touch of power to race home for the match winner. Eastgate had the final say with the conversion, which sealed Scotland the victory and a place in the history books. FULL-TIME: Scotland U20 29 – 25 Wales U20