Having gone 17-0 down in 32 minutes, the young side rallied to find a way to win, making it two wins from three in the competition.

Italy had an early opportunity for points, kicking a penalty for goal in the 2^nd minute. From around 40 metres, Pietro Chelli slotted it to give his side an early lead.

The first try came in the 12^th minute, and it was Italy who scored. A penalty kicked into the left corner gave the forwards a chance to wrestle for the line, but when that didn’t work it was Nicola Noselli who ran hard and straight to make the final inches.

Scotland thought they had crossed the line in the 13^th minute, after an excellent midfield break from Oliver McKenna, who then sprinted for the left corner but was stopped short. Sam Byrd then went over, but he was held up.

And Italy got a second try in the 32^nd minute. An overthrown lineout fell into the hands of Lorenzo Ferrari, who was fastest to react and raced under the sticks.

With a minute left of the half, Scotland got themselves on the board and back in the match. After a brilliant driving maul took Joe Roberts close, Christian Linsday carried to inches short and from the next phase Henry Armstrong found space, sidestepped the last defender and dived over.

Half time: Scotland U18 7-17 Italy U18

Four minutes into the second half, Scotland won a penalty at the scrum and Hamish MacArthur went for goal. From around 35 metres out and straight in front, his kick dissected the posts.

And the young Scots drew level in the 45^th minute. It was started by an excellent break down the left by Jamie Thomson, who found the lively MacArthur on his inside shoulder to finish it off.

Both sides attacked with ambition, though equally both defences were excellent and held firm. But with less than two minutes, Italy were penalised at a driving maul and MacArthur kicked Scotland into the lead for the first time from out wide left.

With the last play, Italy kicked a penalty to the right corner and mauled for the line from the resulting lineout, but Scotland’s pack defended resolutely and trapped the ball, bringing the game, and the festival, to an end.

Full time: Scotland U18 20-17 Italy U18

Scotland: 15. Jamie Thomson (George Watson’s College) 14. Nairn Moncrieff (Gala RFC) 13. Campbell Waugh (Hutchesons’ Grammar School) 12. Alex Bryden (Dumfries Saints RFC) 11. Elliot Southworth (Hartpury College / Harlequins) 10. Henry Armstrong (Morrison’s Academy) 9. Ben Curtis (Howe of Fife) 1. Oliver McKenna (St Aloysius’ College) 2. Joe Roberts CAPTAIN (Robert Gordon’s College / Dundee Rugby) 3. Mickey Kesson (Stirling County RFC) 4. Sam Byrd (Rugby School / Leicester Tigers) 5. Dan Halkon (RGS Worcester / Midlands Rugby Academy) 6. Christian Lindsay (Loretto School) 7. Harry Blackie (Morrison’s Academy) 8. Harry Stewart (Kelvinside Academy / Biggar RFC)

Replacements: 16. William Pearce (Collegiate School / Bristol Bears) 17. Lochlan Hodge (Highland RFC) 18. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Currie Chieftains / Edinburgh Rugby) 19. Mac Rutherford (Gala RFC) 20. Rory Purvis (Dollar Academy) 21. Harrison Wood (George Watson’s College) 22. Hamish MacArthur (Merchiston Castle School) 23. Ross Wolfenden (Peebles High School / Peebles RFC) 24. Nicky Thompson (Sedbergh School) 25. Harry Provan (High School of Glasgow / Glasgow Hawks) 26. Sam Leweni (Watsonians RFC)