Scotland 7s in Singapore

Scotland reached the semi-final of the Challenge Trophy in Singapore, rounding off the third tournament of a five-week tour.

The squad travelled to South-East Asia from the Gold Coast, having travelled there from Hong Kong a week prior and were drawn in a pool with Commonwealth Champions New Zealand plus Australia and Wales.

Day One

Scotland opened the tournament at the impressive Singapore National Stadium against Australia. Darcy Graham and Robbie Fergusson scored first half tries to make it 10-10 at the break.

Another Fergusson score plus one from Harvey Elms gave the Scots a brief lead but a late flurry from Australia saw them snatch a tight, thrilling encounter.

Up next were Wales and Nick McLennan and Darcy Graham scores saw Scotland lead at half time. John Dalziel’s side then pulled away in the second seven. Elms, Fergusson and Jo Nayacavou dotting down to cement an impressive 33-14 victory.

Australia’s victory over New Zealand set up a winner takes all showdown against the Gold Medallists from the Gold Coast.

Robbie Fergusson scored in his third consecutive pool match and Max McFarland crossed the whitewash but it wasn’t enough to see off the All Blacks. The final score of 12-22 not painting the full picture of the match.

Day Two

Playing in the Trophy Competition on Day Two, Scotland were drawn against Russia, a side against who they’ve haven’t always had it their own way in recent years.

Another try from the impressive Fergusson plus Jamie Farndale’s first score of the tournament saw Scotland lead the Russians at the break and Graham’s touchdown in the second half set up a semi-final against the USA.

The Scots started their semi-final brightly. A try from Nyle Godsmark plus Robbie Fergusson’s fifth score in five games saw the scores tied 12-12 early in the second period.

However, the humid temperature and five weeks of travel seemed to catch up with the squad as the American’s ran away with the tie in the final minutes eventually winning 12-33.

Reaction

Scotland 7s Head Coach John Dalziel said:

Scotland 7s in Singapore”I’m encouraged by the way the lads applied themselves over the 5 weeks. I’ve seen lots of good improvements in our young players and we were competitive in a very good group this weekend.

“Again, it was down to fine margins and had we nailed a couple of conversions against Australia we would have been competing in the Cup competition on day two.

“We felt we were good enough to beat the USA and were disappointed to lose in the manner we did. A few silly unforced errors at key times turned the game.

“As I said I’m really pleased with our youngsters. Robbie Fergusson, Max McFarland, Nyle Godsmark, Harvey Elms, Ally Miller and Darcy Graham all had their best tournaments to date and are developing well.

“Jamie Farndale has also really impressed and the balance of youth and experience we are building is pleasing as the youngsters show they can compete at the highest level.”