Scotland Set To Meet Their Matches In Madrid

Following their three home nations games this month, the Scotland under-18 squad travel to Madrid tomorrow (28 March) to meet their European counterparts in the FIRA-AER under-18 championship, where they will compete in three matches for the ultimate prize of the Justin Bridou trophy.Head coach Eddie Pollock said: Over the three games we’ve improved in some areas and need to improve in other respects. It’s important we now look ahead to the matches we’ll play in Madrid. We train on Thursday then play our first game against France on Friday.A total of 24 teams take part in the overall championship and Scotland compete in the tournament’s elite group, pooled with Ireland, Portugal, England, Georgia, Wales, Italy and France. Their opening game kicks off at 4.15pm local / 3.15pm UK against France.The winner / loser will then play the winner / loser of the game between Ireland and Portugal, on Tuesday 3 April, with the final match, opposition dependent on results, on Saturday 7 April. All games take place at the city’s university pitches.There’s a good spirit in the squad, added Pollock. All the players were disappointed with the team performance at the weekend [Scotland lost 25-12 away to Ireland] but I’m sure we’ll respond and will put in a top performance against France.Forwards1. James Malcolm (Hutchesons’ GS/GHA)2. Blair Jardine (Kilmarnock/Carrick Academy)3. Chris Barnes (HS of Glasgow/Glasgow Hawks)*4. Ross Murray (Dollar/Stirling)*5. D’arcy Rae (Kilmarnock)*6. Robbie Tait (Millfield)7. Neil Irvine-Hess (George Watson’s College)*8. Andrew Cramond (Royal High School/BATs)9. Duncan Campbell (Robert Gordon’s College/Mackie)*10. Phil Cringle (Kirkham GS/Douglas)11. Tommy Spinks (Fettes)12. Cameron Simpson (Edinburgh Academy)13. Chris Dean (Edinburgh Academy)*14. Cameron Turner (Robert Gordon’s College)* Backs1. Alex Glashan (Edinburgh Academy)*2. Murdo McAndrew (Howe of Fife/Strathallan)3. Ben Cooper (Sedbergh School)4. Frankie Robson (Kelso HS/Kelso)5. Cameron Mackenzie-Lawrie (Warwick School)6. Ed Farquharson (Aberdeen Grammar/Cults Academy)7. Gavin Lowe (Ayr)*8. Neil Herron (West of Scotland/Jordanhill School)*9. Sam Pecqueur (Trinity Academy)10. Shaun MacDonald (Dunblane HS/Stirling)*11. Callum Irvine (Harrogate)12. Sam Moncur (St Ambrose College/Sale Sharks)* Scottish Institute of Sport supported player 2011/12