Scots faced with disappointment over military offensive.

Scotland Students Rugby League are currently based at Manchester Metropolitan University, where they have proved to be the perfect hosts, as the side prepares for the Student World Cup in Italy, in July 2002.  Located on the Alsager Campus the players have been provided with physiology and strength and conditioning support and education to help the players prepare for Italy, 2002.
However, despite all this support, the Scotland Students were narrowly defeated 33-28 by a very physical British Army side in their opening game of the camp.

After a minute's silence in respect of the Queen Mother's death, the Students began the match well, but had a try disallowed in the opening exchanges for a double movement by Clint Brown. The British Army struck back racing in to a 18-0 lead after sloppy defence from the students.  Agnew scored the initial try under the posts which was subsequently converted.  Further tries were added by Smart and Fox as a result of recurrent defensive mistakes by the Students.

The Students rallied back, with Ian Gilmour creating an opening for Neil Foster to score in the corner.  The conversion was missed leaving the scoreline at 18-4.  Further good work from the forwards, lead by captain Ash Carroll, produced space out wide.  This time John Macdonald powered his way over in the corner for another try.  The score remained at 18-8 due to a missed conversion.

The comeback appeared on, lead by the piper as he performed a marathon medley, to stir up the passionate players. Further solid work from Clint Brown created another opportunity for Neil Foster as he danced through a number of army defenders to bring the scoreline within 6 points at 18-12 just before half time.  A missed conversion meant that the scoreline was not narrowed further.

In the second half the students produced a storming start, with newcomer Geordie Smith and Gujinder Pahal making good yards, followed by Paddy Macdonald creating the opening for Neil Foster to score his hatrick try.  Craig Fisher added the conversion to seal the score at 18-18.  Innovative play by Gilmour cut the British Army defence wide open.  With excellent support play from winger Peter Shaw, Gilmour handed Shaw the ball to score a further try. Craig Fisher increased the Students lead to 24-18 with a neat conversion.

However, the Army was not demoralised by the pressure, fighting back immediatley with their forwards combining well leading to a try by White.  However, they failed to kick the conversion.

The Army stole back the lead with Man of the Match Rob Smart carving a hole through the Students defensive line, bringing the score to 26-24.  A missed conversion meant the Army failed to widen the scoreline further.

The Students valiantly battled on. Gilmour again created the opening; this time for Kaveh Bahadori to romp over for a superb individual try. The conversion was not added.  A grandstand finish was inevitable and for the remaining 10 minutes there were end to end runs made by both sides.  However, the Army rewarded themselves with the last say. The fatigued but brave Scottish defence was broken down out wide with Hogarth going over for a try. The conversion was placed between the posts bringing the score to the narrowest of margins, at 32-28.

In the dying minutes the gallant Scots were just held up short of the Army try line, and then to add salt to the wound, a poor handling error allowed the Army to take the ball into the Student's half where they subsequently added a drop goal to seal their victory at 33-28.

For the Students, a disappointing start to their training camp, but they must maintain their composure as they prepare for the Welsh Students on April 6th at the Alsager campus.

Meanwhile, the Scotland Under 19's are preparing to play England Under 19's in the debut match of the Under 19 Championship based at Alsager campus.  The match is to kick off at 2.30pm on Thursday 4th April.

Author: Kate Cochrane - Students Media Officer