Scotland rain on USA’s parade

Scotland 7s recorded their first victory in Hong Kong this morning, in torrential conditions.As the team ran out onto the pitch thunder struck and the rain poured.  However, they retained possession well in the match and set the tempo of the game, which gave them the upper hand and a 15-10 victory over USA.In the previous game, their fellow group sides, New Zealand and Samoa, played with the World Champions emerging winners, 26-7. Captain, Colin Gregor, said: “I think we played the conditions well this morning.  Our basic skills came under the microscope and we stood up to the test.With the group we’re in, we knew we had to win at least two games, we’re half way and up against Samoa in a couple of hours.  We know the conditions will still be wet, so we need to be smart how we play them.”We will need to focus in on the basics and hopefully a few really good plays from individuals will set up some tries.”Scotland are next-up v Samoa at 7.14am (UK time, subject to weather conditions).  If they win this match they will put themselves in a good position to qualify for the Cup competition on day three.Brace for BennettOn the scoreboard in the USA match was Glasgow Warriors’ Mark Bennett who scored a brace.  James Johnstone completed the try tally.  For the opposition it was Ryne Haitsuka and Zack Test who touched down.Glasgow Warriors James Eddie and Lee Jones also put in a good shift, with Eddie comfortable under the kick-offs and Jones showing good awareness with a couple of line breaks.  Captain, Colin Gregor also kicked for territory very well, pinning the opposition back, but was unable to convert the tries in the adverse conditions.As the final whistle blew, the rain stopped!Scotland 7s squad to compete in the Hong Kong 7s (29-30 March): Scott Riddell, Finlay Gillies (Glasgow Warriors), Mark Robertson, Lee Jones (Glasgow Warriors), Colin Gregor, Chris Dean, Andrew Turnbull, Michael Maltman, Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Wight (Glasgow Warriors), James Johnstone and James Eddie (Glasgow Warriors). Hong Kong 7s day oneScotland 0-33 New ZealandStarting team: Scott Riddell, Mark Robertson, Michael Maltman, Lee Jones, Colin Gregor, Mark Bennett and James Johnstone.Replacements: Chris Dean, James Eddie (both 9mins), Andrew Turnbull (10mins), Finlay Gillies and Scott Wight (both 12mins). Hong Kong 7s day twoScotland 15-10 USATries: Mark Bennett (2) and James JohnstoneStarting team: Scott Riddell, Lee Jones, Coling Gregor, Chris Dean, Mark Bennett, James Johnstone and James Eddie.Replacements: Mark Robertson (8mins), Finlay Gillies, Andrew Turnbull, Michael Maltman and Scott Wight (not used).