Schools rugby: Yellow cards costs young Scots dear as England South cash in

Published on 10/04/2012 00:00

TWO yellow cards either side of the half-time break did nothing to help Scotland’s cause as they lost their first match of the Wellington under-16 Festival in Berkshire at the weekend, going down 28-17 to England South.

Scotland had led 10-6 at the break through a second-minute try from wing Ben Robbins (George Watson’s College), which saw him sprint some 60 metres, converted by stand-off Hugh Fraser.

The latter also landed a 12th-minute penalty, while England South had opened their account with two penalties. However, openside flanker Chris Jollands was yellow-carded prior to the interval and lock Jamie Ritchie joined him in the sin bin shortly afterwards.

While the Scots were short-handed England South took advantage, ultimately adding 22 second-half points through three tries, two conversions and one penalty. Robbins’ second try, 16 minutes into the half, with Fraser again adding the extras, did pull Scotland back into contention at 20-17, but their hopes were killed off thanks to a third English try and subsequent third penalty – which ensured the home team made a winning start to the Festival. There was an appearance for Scotland legend Gavin Hastings’ son, Adam Hastings of George Watson’s College, who came off the bench to replace Reading Abbey’s Reuben Norville.

Scotland under-16s’ next game is against their French counterparts at 11.30am tomorrow.