Both teams entered the match without a win to their names in this years Six-Nations Championship, so the match at Bridgehaugh, in Stirling, could be considered the ‘Wooden Spoon’ decider.
In spite of scoring first, with a try after 3 minutes of play, Scotland failed to capitolise, and seemed to show a lack of incisiveness, coupled with 5 missed penalties. The Italian defence was stretched at times, but it was the visitors who came away with two penalty kicks, to leave the half time score at 7-6 to Scotland.
The second half was much the same as the first, with Scotland showing plenty of drive and attacking flair, but the Italians defence held out. A period of pressure on the Scottish 22 from Italy, meant they came away with another three points, and, in spite of a virtual monopoly of the ball in the final quarter, another two missed Scottish kicks, meant that the young Scots were left with sixth and last place in the Championship.
9-6 to Italy, Wooden Spoon to Scotland.
Photo (John Preece) – Mike Doneghan scoring for Scotland U20
Report – John Preece
