Rugby League: Scots get winning start

Scotland got the European Test Series off to a winning start when they saw off Ireland 26-6 at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow. Two tries by Glaswegian teenage winger David Scott sealed the win, the second in the final minute, by which time Ireland’s challenge had faded and the Bravehearts got what they deserved.

Scotland took the lead after three minutes when debutant Alex Hurst touched down a kick-through by man of the match John Duffy and converted his own try. The Irish levelled on 19 minutes, with Liam Finn scoring the try before also kicking the goal himself.

Scotland retook the lead on 25 minutes and never relinquished it. Hull FC’s Crawford Matthews, another teenage debutant, drove over by the right corner flag to make it 10-6. Ireland came back into the game before half-time but were unable to turn possession into points and, 90 seconds after the restart, they were further behind when Paddy Coupar raced from the halfway line to score under the posts. Then Scott crossed for his first try for Scotland on 62 minutes, flying over on the left after Lee Paterson orchestrated a great team move from right to left.

Scott missed his conversion attempt, but kicked a penalty to put Scotland into a 20-6 lead. Then came his last-minute coup de grace, the former Easterhouse Panther racing down the left touchline to score his second try. He even kicked the goal with the last action of the match to complete a 26-6 victory.

Scorers: Scotland – Tries: Hurst, Matthews, Coupar, Scott (2). Goals: Hurst, Scott 2. Ireland – Try: Finn. Goal: Finn.

Scotland: A Hurst, C Matthews, J Barlow, Da Arnot, D Scott, L Parterson, J Duffy, J Stearman, A Henderson, N Lowe, S Barlow, P Coupar, A Szostak. Subs: J Howieson, C Cockburn, M Stewart, G Lomax.

Referee: S Ganson (Eng).