The lead was doubled in the 12^th minute, with Lucas Friday making the initial break and finding Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, who in turn passed inside to Finn Newton to run in untouched.

Scotland began to earn more possession and territory, and were ambitious in their running attack, but England’s line speed caused pressure and limited chances.

But Scotland’s defence solidified too, halting much of England’s early momentum, and it stayed a two-score game at the break.

Half time: Scotland U18 0-14 England U18

Scotland got on the board in the 46^th minute, as a result of Hamish MacArthur’s speed of thought at the bottom of the ruck. His quick snipe caught England offside, and MacArthur kicked the resulting penalty himself from the 22m line just right of the posts.

And MacArthur was given another shot at goal in the 53^rd minute, again for an English offside. Once more it was just right of the posts but this time it was 40m out on the angle, but the result stayed the same as the scrum half’s kick dissected the posts.

But the comeback was halted three minutes later. England went through the phases after a lineout 10 metres out, and substitute Tyler Offiah went over on the left.

And England had a fourth try in the 62^nd minute. Offiah made the initial break down the right, and after working back infield the backs headed for the right corner again and Fraser Rawlins dived over.

Scotland spent all of the last five minutes in England’s half, and were inches short of the line on several occasions, but they couldn’t find the try they desired for something to take into the final game of tournament, against Italy U18 on Sunday.

Full time: Scotland U18 6-28 England U18

Scotland: 15. Harry Provan (High School of Glasgow / Glasgow Hawks) 14. Jamie Thomson (George Watson’s College) 13. Campbell Waugh (Hutchesons’ Grammar School) 12. Alex Bryden (Dumfries Saints RFC) 11. Nairn Moncrieff (Gala RFC) 10. Ross Wolfenden (Peebles High School / Peebles RFC) 9. Hamish MacArthur (Merchiston Castle School) 1. William Pearce (Collegiate School / Bristol Bears) 2. Joe Roberts CAPTAIN (Robert Gordon’s College / Dundee Rugby) 3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Currie Chieftains / Edinburgh Rugby) 4. Christian Lindsay (Loretto School) 5. Mac Rutherford (Gala RFC) 6. Sam Byrd (Rugby School / Leicester Tigers) 7. Harrison Wood (George Watson’s College) 8. Rory Purvis (Dollar Academy)

Replacements: 16. Oliver McKenna (St Aloysius’ College) 17. Lochlan Hodge (Highland RFC) 18. Mickey Kesson (Stirling County RFC) 19. Dan Halkon (RGS Worcester / Midlands Rugby Academy) 20. Harry Stewart (Kelvinside Academy / Biggar RFC) 21. Harry Blackie (Morrison’s Academy) 22. Ben Curtis (Howe of Fife) 23. Henry Armstrong (Morrison’s Academy) 24. Nicky Thompson (Sedbergh School) 25. Elliot Southworth (Hartpury College / Harlequins) 26. Sam Leweni (Watsonians RFC)