Scotland Triumph Against The Irish

SCOTLAND 26

IRELAND 6

Gavin Willacy at Scotstoun Stadium 

A new-look Scotland deservedly saw off Ireland in Glasgow on Sunday afternoon with a determined and professional performance. They dominated the first half and took their opportunities in the second to get the European Test Series off to a competitive start.

It was Ireland's first visit to Scotland for six years but their tremendous record here - and overall against Scotland of 9 wins and only two defeats - and stronger line-up suggested they would be favourites. Both coaches fielded eight debutants and teams closer resembled the A teams of the past two summers than sides that will play in the 2013 World Cup. However, Scotland always planned for this autumn to be a rare opportunity to blood the youngsters in low-key internationals, knowing many of their big guns would be missing. What they cannot have expected is for every single one of their Super League players to withdraw, leaving them with a 20-man squad without a single full-time player. Scotland's back five had two caps between them!

Both sides did feature experienced and in-form scrum-halves: Championship star Liam Finn captained Ireland while Leigh's John Duffy starred for Scotland, 11 years after his debut: both were central to most of their team's most inventive probing.

Scotland dominated the opening minutes with repeat sets, scoring after three minutes when full-back Alex Hurst touched down John Duffy's grubber kick beneath the posts and converted it himself. Another debut-maker, Jack Stearman of York, dislocated his elbow reaching for the line from Sam Barlow's inventive play and was replaced by Jack Howieson after just 10 minutes. Hurst, a former England Under-16 rugby union international, nearly added another from the next play but the Irish defence held out. Moments later Andrew Henderson, extending his appearance record to 17 caps, belied his 31 years by darting from dummy half to within a foot of the Irish try-line.

Ireland had hardly been out of their half when, after 18 minutes, stand-off Paul Handforth broke down the right, exchanged passes superbly with winger James Haley and sent Finn under the crossbar, Finn equalising with his conversion. Ireland's renaissance was short-lived thanks to the mouth of full-back Greg McNally: a penalty for dissent took the Wolfhounds deep into their own territory and Josh Barlow buried his way over in the right corner from close range for a debut try.

Ireland gifted Scotland their third try 90 seconds into the second-half, Handforth's loose pass on halfway being scooped up by Paddy Coupar who raced 50 metres to score but Hurst surprisingly sliced his simple-looking conversion wide.

The tight contest continued, blighted by handling errors which kept the completion rate by both sides low. When the ball did stick, Scotland scored again, Paterson sweeping the ball left where Glaswegian teenager David Scott, now with Hull KR, raced away down the touchline and dived over for his debut try. He missed the conversion himself but will not care too much about that.

He enjoyed his second try in the last moments even more, swallow-diving over the line after his sheer pace had seen him finish off Arnot and Hurst's good work down the left. He curled over the conversion with the last kick off the game to complete a deserved win for the Bravehearts.

"I'm delighted with the victory and the performance," said victorious coach McCormack. "The blend of debutants and younger players with our senior players was excellent. We went out there as a team and that has been the case for years - it showed in the training camp and it showed today. David Scott will get the headlines and rightly so with that performance - he has enormous potential. It's testament to the work put in with the development team and player pathway we have created. The number of debutants we have brought through over the last couple of years and the performance they put on today makes a lot of people proud. Today is the start of something for these lads.

"We talked about our long term goals as a group this week and they all know the World Cup will come round soon. We used Paddy Coupar as an example to the young lads - he came in at a late stage and played in the World Cup and today was his eighth cap. But for the young lads to step into that environment today and play like that is superb."

SCOTLAND
Alex Hurst 7
Crawford Matthews 7
 Josh Barlow 7
Dave Arnot 6
David Scott 7
Lee Paterson 7
John Duffy 8
Jack Stearman 5
Andrew Henderson 7
Neil Lowe 6
Sam Barlow 8
Paddy Coupar 6
Alex Szostak 7
Subs:
Jack Howieson 6
Callum Cockburn 6
Mike Stewart 6
Giles Lomax 5

Tries: Hurst 4, J Barlow 25, Coupar 42, Scott 62,39.
Goals: Hurst 1/3, Scott 2/3.

IRELAND
Greg McNally 6
 James Haley 7
Ian Cross 6
Elliot Cosgrove 6
Joe Taylor 6
Paul Handforth 7
Liam Finn 8
Paddy Boyle 7
Bob Beswick 7
Kyle Amor 6
Lemeki Vunipulu 7
Ged Corcoran 7
Tyrone McCarthy 6
Subs:
Sean Carmody 5
Paddy Barcoe 6
Callum Casey 6
Aaron McCloskey 5

Tries: Finn 10

Goals: Finn 1/1

Ref Rating: Steve Ganson 85/100
HT: 10-6 / Pens: ?-? / Weather: sunny but cool. / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / MOTM: John Duffy (Scotland) / Attendance: 802 / Match Rating 3/5.

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Great discount for all of our Facebook friends !

We will be offering all of our Facebook friends a great discount for purchasing tickets for the upcoming Scotland vs. Ireland match at Scotstoun Stadium.

The process is simple, all you have to do is "Like" the Scotland Rugby League Facebook Page, click on the "Scotland vs. Ireland" tab, get your code and follow the step by step guide when purchasing your tickets.

We would love to hear about your experiences from the match, so please post any funny stories that may have happened at the game, or if you want to upload pictures from the day to the page, please feel free to do so.

Here are the details for the match, we hope you have a great day, enjoy !

Kick off 2pm

Sunday, October 16th

Scotstoun Stadium

Scotstoun Leisure Centre 

72 Danes Drive 

Glasgow

G14 9HD

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Scotland Clinch Second Place With Victory Over Ireland

SCOTLAND WIN FINAL MATCH TO CLAIM SECOND PLACE

Ireland kicked off to Scotland in the final match of the 2011 Amateur Four Nations, in what was to be the second thrilling encounter of the day at Scotstoun Stadium after Scotland Rugby League's Under 18 squad disposed of England Colleges Under 19's by 14 - 12. Scotland 'A' required a 3 point win to finish second in the Amateur Four Nations which they finished off in style to defeat the Wolfhounds by 26 - 18.

Mike Stewart broke down the far flank and offloaded to Mark Greenwood who was held up in the tackle and Ireland recovered possession. Ireland received a penalty after the kick through Scotland playing the ball in an offside position which gave them a platform to mount their attack. Quick line speed by Dom Pullen forced an error from the Irish Centre and Scotland was awarded a penalty for offside. The Scots worked well up field before being halted at their own line.

Some skilful play by Grodynski released Greenwood down the wing before offloading to Stewart who half broke before Parkinson received the ball wide and slid over for the score. Grodynski converted putting Scotland into a 6 - 0 lead.

Ireland began their attack in the Scottish half but was thwarted through resilient defence led by Scotland's Dave Vernon. Ireland was awarded a penalty and Aaron McCloskey led the charge crashing over the Scottish line to score. Carmody added the extras to level the scores at 6 - 6.

Scotland worked out of their 20 metre area before Grodynski kicked long. Vernon led the chase that took down Taylor just outside the Irish 20. Scotland conceded a penalty in their own half that left them desperately scrambling and it was Vernon who came up with the goods intercepting the Irish pass but was brought down.

As the Irish attacked the Scots defence put pressure on them and forced the Irish wing into touch but a loose carry from McNee left the Scots defending deep in their own half. The defence forced the error from the Irish centre and Scotland regained possession. Coupar kicked long. Taylor broke the defensive line but was brought down in a quick scramble from Jarvis.

Scotland attacked erratically down the left flank but couldn't penetrate the defensive line. Ireland elected to kick early and kicked long which left Broere with a difficult bounce but he gathered and half broke through the middle of the park.

Ireland moved up field through Carmody and Boyle with some good handling play from Flanagan, Ireland had a chance down the close wing as Parkhill received the ball a forward pass was awarded letting the Scots off the hook. Grodynski kicked the ball long which bounced over the dead ball line but Ireland infringed on the 20 restart and Scotland were awarded a penalty which allowed second rower Mike Stewart the opportunity to break the Irish line and dive over for the score, Grodynski' kick was unsuccessful leaving the score 10 - 6 in Scotland's favour.

Ireland threatened in attack through Mulhern and Barcoe but was unable to breach the Scottish defence before the halftime break.

HALF TIME


SCOTLAND 10 - 6 SCOTLAND

Scotland restarted the second half, Coupar took the ball in before offloading to Vernon who split the Irish defence and managed to offload to the supporting Mike Stewart to race in for his second score of the day. Grodynski converted to give Scotland a 16 - 6 lead.

From the restart, Scotland conceded a penalty that allowed Irelands' Barcoe a chance out wide but it was Callum Cockburn knocked on in an attempt to intercept. Ireland had an overlap but strong defence from Parkinson and Broere forced Ireland to miss the pass and Scotland recovered possession.

Grodynski passed the ball to Mcnee who shipped the ball wide that unleashed Dom Pullen who outpaced the Irish defence to score in the corner. Grodynski conversion attempt bounced off the crossbar to further increase Scotland's lead to 20 - 6.

Ireland mounted an attack that looked to be the best of the match so far as Rathati broke the Scottish line before offloading to Flannigan who spread the ball wide to McCloskey. Superb defence from Grodynski dislodged the ball McNally. Scotland worked out of pressure but a knock on put them back under the Irish's' hammering attack but again the stubborn Scottish defence from Cockburn and Broere put Taylor into touch.

A penalty against Vernon for a high tackle saw Ireland again attack the Scottish line this time however it was McNally who stretched out to score for Ireland. Cross added the extras. Scotland 20 - 12 Ireland.
Scotland conceded a penalty for a high tackle against Martyn Nicol which allowed Ireland to work up field before Barcoe stretched out under the posts giving Cross an easy conversion to take them within 2 points of Scotland (20 - 18).

Scotland were awarded 2 back to back penalties that put them into the Irish half, Mcnee dinked a kick in goal for Pullen to cross but the kick ran long.

Scotland charged again through the backs and Broere was in support of Pullen and stepped inside of Taylor to score to the left of the uprights. Grodynski converted giving Scotland a 26 - 18 lead.
Ireland began their attack again and kicked deep, the ball bounced high in goal and Broere returned the ball 30 metres before being taken down. Vernon worked the ball into the Irish 20 metre before following up with a solid chase to close down any Irish counter attack.

With minutes to go Scotland worked the ball well with Vernon kicking in goal and Pullen catching the Irish attacker to force a drop out.

With that the final whistle sounded and Scotland recorded a 26 - 18 victory that put them into second place in the final standings for the Amateur Four Nations 2011.

Scotland:


1: Nick Broere
2: Dom Pullen
3: Rob Sloman
4: Callum Cockburn
5: Mark Greenwood
6: Dave Vernon
7; Andy Grodynski
8: Colin Jarvis
9: Nathan Crichton
10: Niall Parkinson
11: Mike Stewart
12: Mattie McNee
13: Paddy Coupar
14: Ross Grady
15: Ray Festorazzi
16: Martyn Nicoll
17: Greg Wallace


Try's
Parkinson, Stewart (2), Pullen, Broere
Conversions:
Grodynski (3)


Ireland:


1: Joe Taylor
2: Mark Tuohy
3: Joe Mulhern
4: Paddy Barcoe
5: David Parkhill
6: Sean Carmody
7: Brian Flannigan
8: Brendan Guillfoyle
9: Conor McNally
10: Aaron McCloskey
11: Alan Trenier
12: Paddy Boyle
13: Ian Cross
14: Alan McNamara
15: Tom Ratahi
16: Cahal O' Reilly
17: Mark O Neill


Try's
McCloskey, McNally, Barcoe
Conversions:
Cross (2)

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Scotland looking for second place

Scotland need a win by more than 2 points against Ireland


Scotland ‘A' only need to secure a win by 2 points against Ireland to finish joint second with England and Ireland in the Amateur Four Nations. Wales have already secured the trophy for the 8th time after a Grand Slam victory over England Lionhearts last weekend.

The Scots who play Ireland in the final match of the competition at Glasgow's Scotstoun Stadium will be looking to secure their first win in this years' competition by at least 3 points to snatch second place away from Ireland or England.

Head Coach Ash Carroll is confident that Scotland is in a position to defeat the Irish at home.
"It's been another tough task to select the side to play Ireland but this is testament to how strong our squad is this year. With the depth in the squad I've been able to tailor a side that I think will be able to turn Ireland over."

"This season has been pretty hard on the guys with two long away trips but they have played some great rugby in those matches and I think we just haven't had the rub of the green on occasion and have let the games slip with concentration lapses. That said...I am confident that that won't be the case tomorrow."

Scotland ‘A' who were the defending champions of the Cheltenham Regency Trophy defeated the Irish last year in Dublin by 10 - 6 in what was a closely fought physical game which is expected to be the case in tomorrow's clash which Carroll hopes will bring out the best in his players.

"There is a massive opportunity on offer in the match tomorrow to finish second overall in the competition as well as to impress the coaches of the full international squad who will be looking at the Scotland ‘A' squad to bring players up into the professional camp for this autumns internationals against Ireland and France."

In the Under 18 competition Scotland U18 take on England Colleges in the curtain raiser to the Scotland ‘A' match which will see the victor claim the "Auld Enemy trophy". The Under 18 match kicks off at 12:00pm

Scotland U18 vs. England Colleges and Scotland ‘A' vs. Ireland ‘A'

12:00pm and 2:00pm Kick offs

Saturday 13th August

Scotstoun Stadium

Glasgow.

Adults: £5 / Concessions: £2 / Under 12's: FREE

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Panthers just too strong for Spartans

SCOTLAND RUGBY LEAGUE UNDER 17 GRAND FINAL


EASTERHOUSE PANTHERS 54 - 18 ABERDEEN SPARTANS

Easterhouse Panthers reclaimed their title as Under 17 Champions after a 54 - 18 victory over Aberdeen Spartans. It was a game that produced some excellent passages of play and saw some fantastic tries. Easterhouse went into the match as hot favourites having been undefeated in the National Youth League but Aberdeen put up a strong fight.

It was Easterhouse who started the match the better notching up a couple of scores early through Love, Gemell and McConville. Aberdeen fought back through McIlroy and Reid to leave the half time 28 - 8.

Easterhouse started the second half much as they did the first and scores a rake of tries through Love, McConville, Senter Breen and McNeil but Aberdeen again fought back scoring tries themselves through McIllroy and Sharp.

It was Cuthbertson for Panthers who closed out the match and secured the win and McTaggart converting five kicks with Panthers running out 54 - 18 winners.

Have you purchased your tickets for Scotland vs. Ireland on October 16th yet ? If not you can do this here.

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Panthers Triumph over Falkirk Romans

SCOTLAND RUGBY LEAGUE UNDER 15 GRAND FINAL


Easterhouse Panthers 26 - 6 Falkirk Romans

In a match that was picked as one of the matches to watch of finals day after Falkirk Romans in their debut season were looking to defeat Easterhouse Panthers. The match started with a series of scores from Easterhouse that gave them a 14 - 0 lead. The first of which the Panthers spread wide to the wing to cross, the second saw some good open play from the Easterhouse players before the broke down the wing to cross and the final try in the first half saw the Panthers power through the middle of the Falkirk pack.

Falkirk stepped up and put pressure on the Panthers line and looked threatening as they attacked the line buta series of unforced errors gifted possession back to the Panthers but the Romans stood firm into halftime (14 - 0)

After the break it was Falkirk who looked as if they might start to come back as they worked the ball up field before finally diving over for a score which was converted (14 - 6). The match stayed at 14 - 0 for the duration of the second half as both teams battled for possession but couldn't find the break through. It was Easterhouse who finally broke down the wing to score a long range effort that was converted to extend their lead to 20 - 6.

Falkirk tried to get back into the match and broke the Easterhouse line but some solid scramble tackling put the Falkirk player into touch and provided Easterhouse with Possession going into the final minutes of the game. Falkirk Romans held on until the last few minutes but Easterhouses forwards were too strong and crossed close to the posts allowing for a successful conversion and a secured win for the Panthers 26 - 6.

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RLC teams ready for Finals!

RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE CLUBS READY FOR CLASHES AT SCOTSTOUN

The next two weeks in the Scotland Rugby League calendar will be a showcase of what the domestic game in Scotland has to offer. This weekends' Finals day will encompass games at Under 15, Under 17 and both Rugby League Conference Divisions. The following weekend (13th August) Scotland Under 18's take on England Colleges and Scotland ‘A' are back in action against the Irish at Scotstoun Stadium in their only home game of the season, they will be trying to secure a second place finish in the 2011 Amateur Four Nations.

The Rugby League Conference (RLC) matches at this years' Scotland Rugby League Finals day are promising to be both exciting and enthralling with the senior clubs all ready and all eagerly trying to get their hands on their respective trophies.

The Division 1 final between Moray Titans and Aberdeen Warriors will see both teams make the journey south on Saturday to their first ever finals. Both in their inaugural year, it is testament to both clubs' hard work that two teams from the North / North East of Scotland will be playing for the title of Division 1 champions with aspirations of joining the Premier Division in 2012.

Aberdeen Warriors head coach Craig Parslow is relishing the opportunity to play this weekend and thinks it would be the perfect end to the season if the Warriors can secure a win.

"It has been a great year for Rugby League in the North East of Scotland. The Warriors have been training and playing hard all season and are excited to be in their first Grand Final, after winning the Division 1 league. A win the Grand Final, it would be the perfect end to a fantastic year."

A thought on the development of the sport in the North of Scotland similarly echoed by Moray Titans head coach Adam Harrison who thinks the Moray Titans playing in the Grand Final is a fantastic achievement.

"Moray Titans are proud to be playing in the Division 1 Grand Final against out northern neighbours Aberdeen, and at such a spectacular venue as Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow. We started off in 2011 with high hopes of forming a Community Rugby League club in the North of Scotland and to finish on such a high note, regardless of the result on Saturday is a fantastic achievement for the club. We know it's going to be a physical test against the league leaders but even the best aren't unbeatable."
The RLC Premier Grand Final will see last year's runners up Edinburgh Eagles try to go one better to reclaim the title of Scottish Champions for the 8th year in their history. Edinburgh finished the league section of the season 6 points clear, which head coach Ash Carroll credited to hard work at training.


"It's great to be back in the final this year as it represents reward for a lot of work the lads have put in. We have really developed as a squad this year and it's been really tough to cut down to a 17 man squad for the final. The guys are all looking forward to playing at Scotstoun, it's a world class venue and a fitting venue for the end of the season. It will be a great day with the two junior games and division 1 final before the Premier Final."

Edinburgh will be playing Ayrshire Storm who are only in their second year in the RLC and had a resounding 42 -22 victory over Fife Lions in the playoff to reach the Grand Final, something that hasn't gone unnoticed by Carroll.

"We have had two good games against Ayrshire this year and although we have managed to beat them on both occasions I have no doubt that they will be up for their first final, you just have to look at their win over the Lions last weekend to see that. I'm sure both teams will make the most of the day and relish the opportunity."

Ayrshire Storm have had a superb run of form in the latter stages of the season to help them finish with a flourish and secure 3rd place over in the league all with wins over Fife Lions and a final league match against reigning champions Carluke Tigers, which the Storm narrowly won 30 - 26 before their playoff victory. Ayrshire Storm head coach Alex Bibby has led the Irvine based Storm since its conception in 2010 and is delighted that the squad have pulled together to reach the final.

"We had a difficult start to the season only winning two of the first six matches but the squad rallied towards the end of the season and that's the part of the season where it counts. The guys are really looking forward to the Grand Final, they have been working hard and it's their willingness to learn and hunger for success that has brought us this far. It wouldn't have been possible without that or the backing and support from Irvine Rugby Club."

Prior to the RLC Division 1 and Premier finals, Scotland's National Youth League squads will take to the fields. Falkirk Romans and Easterhouse Panthers will battle on the field for the Under 15 championship which is tipped to be a fantastic match after their performances over the summer where they have both beaten each other. Following that match it will be Aberdeen Spartans who have the task of trying to topple the undefeated Easterhouse Panthers in the Under 17 Grand Final.

For a discounted ticket bundle deal to the Finals Day, Under 18, Amateur international and professional international in October join our facebook group by clicking here
Alternatively, you can buy tickets on the day at the Stadium Reception.
Scotland Rugby League Finals Day - Saturday 6th August 2011, Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow.

Under 15 - 12:00pm

Under 17 - 01:30pm

Division 1 - 03:15pm

Premier - 05:15pm

Prices: Adult: £5, Concession: £2, Under 12: FREE

INTERNATIONALS:

Saturday 13th August at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow.

12:30pm - Scotland Under 18 vs. England Colleges

02:00pm - Scotland ‘A' vs. Ireland ‘A'
Prices: Adult: £5, Concession £2, Under 12: FREE

This Saturday (6th August) Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow will play host to four rugby league matches as the clubs battle for the silver wear and title of Scottish Champions.

Alternatively why not take advantage of our unique facebook offer which gives you discounted bundle tickets to the Finals day, Scotland 'A' vs. Ireland 'A' / Scotland under 18 vs. England Colleges and the professional Autumn international between Scotland vs. Ireland.

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