Six Nations under-20s: Selponi seals French victory

By JEAN LAFOND
Published on 18/03/2013 01:21

SCOTLAND under-20 put in a spirited performance at Stade Amédée-Domenech in Brive yesterday, despite going down 13-10 to their French counterparts.

The Scots held to a 10-3 lead for the most part of their final Six Nations match after a penalty from stand-off Tommy Allan and converted try from back-row Adam Ashe. However, two periods of French pressure proved decisive as the hosts took the lead in the 63rd minute, thanks to a converted try and drop-goal by stand-off Enzo Selponi.

There were some stand-out performances from the Scots, however, with Mark Bennett incisive at centre and fellow-centre Robbie Fergusson, Ashe, locks Adam Sinclair and Jonny Gray all impressive.

France put the first points on the board after a spell of intense pressure at the start of the game when Scotland were penalised at the ruck and scrum-half Baptiste Serin kicked the points.

Scotland equalised on 20 minutes when stand-off Tommy Allan was successful with his fist shot at goal. Five minutes later, they were ahead when Ashe went over after Bennett and winger Rory Hughes broke out from the Scots 22. Allan converted.

But replacement Selponi chipped and chased to touch down near the posts just after the hour and slotted a drop-goal three minutes later to seal the win. Scotland finished in fourth place in the table, ahead of France on points difference.