Wales took the field with a very inexperienced side led by Mark Dando and containing no fewer than 11 international debutantes. The side had been developed from the team that had placed fifth at the SRL Regional Championships and featured exciting new talents such as Ben Jenkins and Paul Jones.

The game was played on a warm but very windy afternoon in Alsager. The game started with Wales putting together some good attacking play, which was ultimately undone by, mistimed passes and dropped balls. This allowed Scotland to respond with some excellent driving play through their forwards and skilful control by halfback Ian Gilmour and Craig Fisher.

The Scots seized the lead with two half breaks along their right hand side and both were converted to give them a 12- 0 lead after 20 minutes. Wales responded and pressed the Scottish line again and finally winger Sion Williams went over in the corner.

Scotland, however, came back with two further tries of their own and established a lead before half time that they were never to relinquish. Wales were putting together some very good attacking play but were finding it a battle to contain the rampaging Scottish pack.

The second half saw a fine Welsh start with some sustained pressure on the opposition line, however, they were unable to convert this into points and soon Scotland began to regain control down their left side and created two fifty yard tries. Wales again responded and fought back into the game and were rewarded when second row, Dave Jenkins crashed over in the left corner, demonstrating good pace and power in his run to the line.

Scotland, however, came back to score the game's last try and were victorious on the day by forty points to eight.

Wales must now learn the lessons from an experienced Scotland side as they continue the build up to the World Cup in July. Many players making their debuts will be hunting places in the final squad in the hope of meeting Scotland to put the record straight