Stuart McInally shines as Scots kids see off Italy

WATSONIANS flanker Stuart McInally earned the plaudits after he led Scotland's Under-20s to a battling 18-16 win over their Italian counterparts in Capoterra, Sardinia.

McInally took the man-of-the-match award for his contribution to an encounter which saw the Scots surrender an early lead before battling back to chalk up victory.

The Scots led 13-6 at the break, with the points coming from tries by Hawick prop Nicky Little and Currie winger Dougie Fife, while Ollie Grove slotted a penalty.

The hosts fought back to lead 16-13 before Edinburgh Accies stand off Alex Blair sprinted in for the decisive try. Scotland coach Eamon John said: "The players came to a difficult environment, in difficult conditions and had to fight back from losing the lead.

"We showed real composure to win this game."

Scotland's A team lost 13-3 to their Italian counterparts in Biella.