Scotland Under 18’s overcome Ireland

In the Dundee sunshine at Mayfield Scotland defeated Ireland Schools 21-13 ahead of next week’s trip to Toulouse where they will take part in the Rugby Europe Championships.The match was the second warm-up game for the competition and will prove to be the perfect preparation, bouncing back from a recent loss to England. Scotland under-18 Head Coach, Eddie Pollock, made four changes to the starting side, who were defeated 39-27 in that match in Newcastle.At half-time against Ireland Scotland were behind 10-3.In the second period however, Scotland were resurgent and notched two well-worked scores, with Man of the Match Blair Kinghorn proving instrumental in sealing the victory.After the match, Eddie Pollock said: “That was a fantastic result for Scottish Rugby, secured by a great group of players who have improved since their last game and defensively, we were excellent.”Our second try, scored by Robbie Nairn, was a great team effort.”The win is perfect preparation for the European Championships next week where we take on France. It’ll be really difficult but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”After one minute at Mayfield, Ireland took an early lead through a Bill Johnston penalty, but Scotland were quick to level the scoresheet when Blair Kinghorn slammed one over. With 13 minutes on the clock, Saul Melvin-Farr was sin-binned following an infringement and from the resultant play, Ireland scored a penalty try which was converted giving the visitors a 10-3 lead.As the half drew to a close, Ireland were awarded another penalty giving them the chance to increase their lead, but Bill Johnston’s kick didn’t have the legs and fell short of the target. They were then behind 10-3.At the start of the second period, Scotland came out rejuvenated and set about pegging back the scoreline with Kinghorn rifling over a drop-goal in the opening moments.After 42 minutes, Ireland scored a penalty of their own but it didn’t affect the boys in blue who converted another penalty before scoring a try.Following a prolonged period of pressure, Matt Fagerson pushed over the line with his score being converted.Leading 16-13, the Mayfield crowd were buoyant and their mood was boosted further when Saul Melvin-Farr burst through the Irish defence before releasing Robbie Nairn who was able to dart over the line.The conversion was skewed wide but Scotland were in front 21-13 and the scores stayed that way until the referee blew his whistle for the final time.Next week Scotland under-18 will meet France, in their first Rugby Europe tie on Friday before playing a further two games as part of the seeded tournament.  ?Scotland Under 18’s: Saul Melvin-Farr (Edinburgh Academy/Edinburgh Academicals)*, Darcy Graham (Hawick High School/Hawick Wanderers), Craig Pringle (Loretto School/Melrose)*, Grant Huggan (Hawick Wanderers), Robbie Nairn (George Watson’s College/Currie), Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Academy/Edinburgh Academicals)*, Charlie Shiel (Royal High School/RHC Cougars)*; Adam Nicol (Queen Anne High School/Dunfermline), Fraser Renwick (Hawick High School/Hawick Wanderers), Fergus Bradbury (Merchiston Castle School), Hamish Bain (George Watson’s College/Currie), Callum Hunter-Hill (Stewart’s Melville)*, Matthew Fagerson (Strathallan School), Michael Dewar (Abingdon School/Wasps), Alex Craig (Hartpury College/Gloucester).Replacements:?Jack Solman (Sedbergh School), George Thornton (Moulton College/Market Harborough), Blair Robertson (Kelso Harlequins), Luke Crosbie (Currie), Scott McGinley (Edinburgh Academy/Currie), Andrew Simmers (Glasgow Academy/Glasgow Hawks)*, Gregor Haldane (Stowe School/Northampton Saints), Ross McCann (Royal High School/RHC Cougars)*, Thomas Gordon (Currie)*sportscotland institute of sport supported player 2014/15Ireland Under 18’s: Robert Lyttle, Calvin Nash, Rory Butler, Tim Foley, Tim Carroll, Bill Johnston (C) ;Peter Kelleher, Conor McEvoy, Peter Cooper, Cillian Gallagher, Oisin Dowling, Caelon Dorris, Jonny Guy, John Foley, Jonathan Stewart.Replacements: Donald Kealey, Alexander Clarke, Dylon Murphy, Tom de Jongh, Jack O’Sullivan, Jonny McKeownm Jack Lyons, Conor Deon, Jack Kelly, Colm Hogan.