SCOTLAND BOOK PLACE IN QUARTER FINALS
Posted: 24/May/08
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Scotland made the quarter finals of the IRB 7s cup with a confident victory over Russia in the final Pool D tie of the afternoon.

With both teams winning one from two in earlier games the winner would take all - Scotland were up for that challenge from the get go with three first half tries giving them the cushion needed to cruise into the knock-out stages.

Scotland were quick to score when their characteristic long cross field spin passes found the hands of speedster Andrew Turnbull who dummied the outside to glide in at the upright. Colin Gregor made sure Scotland took full points from their early efforts, 7-0.

The Scots soon went two scores ahead when Gregor fed Laidlaw from the base of the ruck, Laidlaw straightened up the Russian's defensive line and sent a lovely miss pass across Turnbull to Vernon who crossed the line at the corner flag. This time Gregors kick was just wide. 12-0

The final try of the half came as Gregor found Vernon in space out wide on the left, the big forward slapped off an attempted tackle and bounded in from the 22 for his fourth try in two games this afternoon. Gregor added the extras to send the Scots in at the interval with a comfortable lead.

Half time: 19-0

Scotland continued to dominate the tie in the second half and Fusaros battle for a 50-50 ball at the touch line paid off as the retained possession was fed back to Turnbull who dummied the wide pass to dart through the centres from the 10m line. Gregor converted, 26-0.

Russia scored a late consolation try through Andrei Kuzin who held off Turnbull half way inside the 22 to squeeze across the line. Yury Kushnarevs kick made it 26-7.

As the minutes ticked by in the second half the game looked certain to go Scotlands way.

Late substitute, Admason, made a huge arching run along and around defensive line to put the game well out of Russias reach.

Gregors missed conversion could not dampen the Scottish celebrations as they booked their place in the knock-out stages of the tournament.

Final Score: 31-7

Scotland now face Fiji after who won all of their Pool A ties against Canada (29-5), Portugal (39-0) and Australia (12-10).

Scotland 7s coach, Stevie Gemmell, said: "We came out and we performed well against Russia. The guys deserved the opportunity, theyve worked hard to come back from the disappointment of Hong Kong and Adelaide.

Ive got 12 fit players for tomorrow so that makes a big difference, well play and if we perform as we have done we can give any team in this tournament a game.

Confidence is high and well go into the game against Fiji believing that we can win."

We came here with expectations. Not hopes"

Scotland 1st VII
1 Scott Forrest CAPTAIN
2 Colin Shaw
5 Jim Thompson
8 Colin Gregor
10 Greig Laidlaw
11 Andrew Turnbull
12 Richie Vernon

Replacements
3 Stevie Lawrie
4 Grant Anderson
6 Chris Fusaro
7 Ben Addison
9 Michel Addison

This article was posted on 25-May-2008, 07:10 by Hugh Barrow.