Mark Cairns leads Scots Club to fine victory

In the 30-18 victory Cairns was one of a number of Capital-based players who impressed, including Boroughmuir prop Robin Hislop, Edinburgh Accies’ prop Alex Allan and Heriot’s centre Max Learmonth.

Indeed, Allan was named man of the match for his stylish performance and played well in both the tight and the loose, showing he really is a talent for the future.

Other Capital players involved were Fraser Brown, Kevin Bryce and Cameron Ferguson all from Heriot’s and they can all be happy with their night’s work.

In the first half Scotland started really well and after Ireland missed an early penalty the hosts built up a 14-0 lead.

Nine of those points came through penalties by Gala’s stand-off Lee Millar, who is moving south at the end of the season, while Edinburgh Rugby EDP Allan scored a cracking try.

After the big man had had a great run in the 11th minute he then stayed in the action two minutes later.

Aberdeen Grammar second-row Murray Douglas gave the scoring pass to him and the hosts were well on top.

On the half hour mark Ireland second-row Brian Quill was injured and the match was stopped for 10 minutes which disrupted the flow of things somewhat.

There was still time for Scotland to extend their lead to 17-0 on the stroke of half-time though with another Millar penalty.

Ireland started the second half well and really got themselves back in to things.

By the 50th minute they were just 17-11 down and Scotland had hooker Brown in the sin-bin.

A great try by Ayr winger Craig Gossman, converted by Millar, gave the Scots some breathing space at 24-11.

And although Ireland fought back with a converted try of their own, two late penalties by Millar saw the hosts home.