SCOTS MAKE IT TWO OUT OF TWO
Posted: 29/Nov/05
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Scotland under-19 22 Watsonians development XV 5

Scotland’s second successful warm-up fixture took place on the back pitches at Murrayfield tonight against a Watsonians development XV.

Scotland under-19 backs coach Eamon John said: “We were a little off the pace to begin with but once we got to terms with the physicality of the game, we were able to get a hold on it.”

The Scots pressured Watsonians from the kick-off, forcing a succession of clearance kicks from within their own 22 but the physicality and experience of the Watsonians side prevailed and they began to gather momentum in their attack.

Watsonians scored an unconverted try in the fifth minute leaving the Scots with a lot of work to do to get themselves back in contention.

The under-19 side did manage to compose themselves and began to compete with the high intensity demanded from the game. Scott Hendrie (Selkirk) burst through two tackles as he nipped up the right wing to score in the corner levelling the scores at 5-5 at half time.

Only eight minutes into the second half, Watsonians tried their best to infiltrate Scotland’s impressive defence. Scrum-half Jamie Hunter (Hillhead/Jordanhill) then plucked the ball from the opposition and set out on the counter attack with an impressive solo run down the left for the score. Cammy Ferguson (Dundee HSFP) converted.

Ferguson’s kicking performance was first-rate and slotted a penalty in the 66th minute.

He continued his impressive performance after Colin Goudie (Stewart’s Melville) crossed the line in the dying minutes to take the final score to 22-5.

Scotland under-19 backs coach Eamon John commended both parties on a successful night of rugby. “It is great that we do not have to travel abroad to get a game like tonight’s. It is good news for the club game that we have the talent here to provide such a contest,” he said.

“Watsonians brought along a very impressive side and we thank them and Glasgow Hawks for giving us the opportunity to develop the Scotland under-19 side over the past month.”
The fixture is the second arranged by head coach Peter Wright ahead of their first international against Italy in Rome on Thursday 29 December (kick-off 2:30pm local time).

This article was posted on 30-Nov-2005, 08:59 by Hugh Barrow.