Scots teenagers mount stirring fightback but Welsh cling on for Five Nations victory

SCOTLAND came desperately close to achieving a first-ever win over Wales at under-18 level, but ultimately lost 31-30 in the opening round of the Five Nations Festival at St Helens in Swansea yesterday.

“This was a step up from our performance against England earlier this month.” said Ally Donaldson, the Scotland under-18 head coach. “The boys gained a lot of belief from the game against England. They now know that they have to perform at their best to achieve a result.”

After trailing 28-13, the Scots came within a point of taking the match. In all, Scotland scored three tries, one each from Cammy Hutchison, the Heriot’s centre, Rory McMichael, the Wellington College wing, and Fraser Strachan, the Bedford School back row. All three tries were converted by Ben Appleson, the Edinburgh Academy left wing, who also contributed with three penalty goals.

The Scottish performance was all the more creditable given that they were without two key players, Matt Fagerson and Mark New, through injury.

The Scots’ next game is against Ireland at Newport on Tuesday.