Scots restore pride with a battling draw Down Under

RUGBY LEAGUE: Coach Steve McCormack expressed his pride after Scotland ended a wretched World Cup campaign on a high with a muchimproved performance in a 14-14 draw with Samoa. McCormack’s side went into the tournament ranked fourth in the world following an impressive 2016 Four Nations but suffered crushing defeats to Tonga and New Zealand. Scotland, already without several experienced players, were further depleted after three players — including captain Danny Brough — were sent home for being too drunk to board a flight. They were written off ahead of their must-win clash with Samoa in Cairns but came agonisingly close to securing a quarter-final with Australia. Scotland led 14-6 at the break and missed two late chances to nick a memorable win. ‘That for me today was one of the best performances Scotland has had for a long, long time with regards to effort,’ said McCormack (pictured) afterwards. TRAMPOLINING: Kristof Willerton produced a superb display in the World Championships in Sofia as he secured men’s tumbling gold for Great Britain. Team GB finished ahead of China and Denmark in Bulgaria after the women had earlier clinched team bronze behind gold medallists China and Belarus, who took silver.

DARTS: Gary Anderson made a solid start to the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton as he beat fellow Scot Cameron Menzies 5-3 in their opening Group H clash. Simon Whitlock lost 5-4 to Berry van Peer. Peter Wright got off to a bad start in Group E as he lost 5-2 to Glen Durrant.

BOWLS: David Gourlay ended Michael Stepney’s hopes of a fairytale debut at the Scottish International Open by taking the title he last won in 2002. Fifth seed Gourlay beat fellow Scot Stepney, who was given a wildcard entry, 9-4 11-7 in the final in Perth. Gourlay (right) said: ‘I knew I had to play well to beat Michael. It was probably one of the best games I’ve played on the World Bowls Tour.’