It was a case of what goes around comes around as Ireland’s Under 20’s, who stole the game against England on their last outing, found the tables turned on them by the Scottish side! However with many of the U20 squad called up for club duties (boo) it was a much understrength side that took the pitch.

I do have issues with the club side taking preference over representative honours at this level and Ulster have been one of the main offenders.  The Ulster representation for this game was made up of Rory Scholes (Belfast Harlequins), Chris Taylor (Malone),  John Donnan (Ballynahinch), John Andrew (Ballymena) and John Creighton (Malone) who all played a part.

This result leaves Ireland Women as the only successful side in the Six Nations Championship this weekend.

Scotland opened the scoring, through Ruaridh Young chasing up a Robbie Fergusson grubber, and with Tomasso Allen adding the extras the home side took a 7 – 0 lead.

Tom Daly replied with a penalty for Ireland but as they looked to push for more an interception by Damien Hoyland saw the Scottish youngster sprint home from 50 meters. Allen again converting to take the score to 14 – 3.

Ireland continued to apply pressure and it this time it paid off as No 8 Ryan Murphy dived over for an unconverted try and with David Panter crossing six minutes later it was a one point game with the score at 14 – 13 as the teams changed ends.

The visitors looked well on top when they forced a penalty try within ten minutes of the restart and with Will Bordill sent to the bin for 10 it looked as through the game had swung decisively in Ireland’s favour.

However, it was Scotland that finished on top with Allen and Hoyland combining to send the winger clear for his second try with 8 minutes left. Allen added the extras to give Scotland a one point lead.

Ireland piled on the pressure in the closing minutes looking for any score but the Scottish defence held firm for a remarkable win.

Teams