The rousing chant of the bag pipes lead the procession of apprehensive players on to the pitch at Cambuslang Rugby Football Club in Glasgow on Sunday 9th December.

The Scots were nervous as to whether the typical Scottish low temperatures and heavy pitch may hamper the Queenslander’s traditional fast paced performance.  However, the Scots  threw themselves into the match from the kick off, rapidly applying pressure on the visitors.

This acted in the Scots favour, putting Queensland on the back foot and causing them to make mistakes.  Within the first 20 minutes, the Scots had secured a 9 - 0 lead from a penalty conversion, drop goal, and one individual try from Ryan Campbell who broke through the visitor’s defence, which he then went on to successfully convert.  Queenslander faced  new territory having never played from behind in a match whilst on their tour of Britain.  However, they maintained their composure and the Scots were faced with a retaliatory barrage of attacks.  The Queenslanders seemed unaffected by the heavy pitch conditions, playing the ball out wide, stretching  Scotland’s defensive line by greatly paced, angled runs. 

The typical Australian running rugby continued for the following twenty minutes, producing three tries for the visitors, to the Scots frustration.   Some beautifully placed kicks gave the Australians plenty of play in Scottish territory and constant pressure on the Scotland try line.  By half time Queensland had a commanding lead of 16 - 9, leaving the Scots with a mean task for the remaining forty minutes.
However, Queensland domination was to continue.  The Scots failed to match their rapid handling skills, driving the ball out wide and taking full advantage of the overlap created.  A try was immediately scored by the Queensland winger Elliott, utilising their winning formula, and this was followed by a further individual try from Coey-Braddon, who side stepped his opposite number, to secure a 26-9 lead seventeen minutes into the second half. 

Scotland valiantly attempted to stay in the game, but failed to capitalize on a number of chances.  However, their persistence was eventually to pay off with a try from the centre Clarke, resulting from playing the Australians at their own game, utilising the pace of the backs and Clarke’s ability to produce one of his trademark weaving runs. 

The Queenslanders remained undeterred, finishing the match with a further try from Richards, who again took full advantage of the overlap.  Brackstone successfully converted the try leaving the final scoreline at 32-13; a comprehensive victory for the tourists.

The great spirited and hard fought match illustrated the difference between both teams.   Queenland possessed great cohesiveness, which was displayed in their confident style of play.  The Scots lacked some of this but produced another solid performance after undergoing a number of last minute changes through injury.   However, this was not enough to beat the skilful Queensland side who now go on to face the Great Britain Students in Hull, attempting to take home with them, what would be their most precious souvenir, the Ashes trophy.


Scotland Students Squad:
1) Rich Brantingham, 2) Neil Foster, 3) Rob Clarke, 4) Ryan Campbell, 5) Mark Webster, 6) Ian Gilmour, 7) James Knight, 8) Jack Howieson, 9) Andrew Borthwick, 10) Ash Caroll (Captain), 11) Sam Onions, 12) John MacDonald, 13) James MacKay, 14) Kov Bahadori, 15) Ash MacInally, 16) Tommy McGhee, 17) Gareth Williams

Queensland Students Squad:
1) Neil Feather, 2) Dave Elliott, 3) Storm Richter, 4) Brad Coey-Braddon, 5) Damien Ricketts, 6) Paul Horn, 7) Ian Brackstone, 8) Jason Isles, 9) Steve Blaine, 10) Bryce Killoch, 11) Kevin Prior, 12) Kurt Richards, 13) Dave Ackers (Captain), 14) James Galligan, 15) Ben Ward, 16) Ash Lamfranchi, 17) Rob Pozzebom

Scores:
Scotland
Tries - Ryan Campbell (1), Rob Clarke (1)
Conversions - Ryan Campbell (1)
Drop Goal - Ian Gilmour (1)
Penalties - Ryan Campbell (1)

Queensland
Tries - Paul Horn (2), Dave Elliott (2), Brad Coey-Braddon (1), Kurt Richards (1)
Conversions - Ian Brackstone (4)


Written by Kate Cochrane