Lanarkshire rugby round-up

Mar 19 2008

FORMER Biggar star Scott Lawson was a second-half substitute as Scotland lost 23-20 against Italy in Rome’s Stadio Flaminio.

A last-minute drop goal saw Scotland crash to defeat.

Current Biggar star Fraser Brown started as Scotland Under-20 suffered a similar fate, with a late penalty giving their Italian counterparts a 14-13 win at the Stadio Communale, Mogliano, on Friday.

Coach Colin Robertson said: “Getting beaten in injury-time was tough. We played some good stuff at times, but perhaps we could’ve been a bit more streetwise in order to win the game.”

Scotland Under-18s completed an unwated treble as they were routed 24-0 by Wales at Aberavon.

Coach Grant McKelvey hopes the young Scots learn from their experience.

He said: “It is a huge learning curve for the guys. This is an educational process for them. This was the first time that many of these boys have played in a hostile environment on the field, and they will learn from that.”

l Uddingston’s rescheduled Scottish Hydro-Electric West League Division Two fixture against Hughenden was again postponed as the Glasgow side couldn’t raise a full team.

A rescheduled date has yet to be announced.

On Saturday the Villagers entertain Paisley in a league match at Bothwell Castle Policies. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Following recent trials, six Uddingston players have been selected to represent South Lanarkshire schools.

They are: S1 - Ross Kikland, Ross McKeown; S2 - Alex Hamilton, Martin Kennedy; S3 - Stephen Reilly, James Brown.

All six will take part in matches against North Lanarkshire, from which the Lanarkshire squad will be selected.

S1s played yesterday (Wednesday), S3s are in action on March 27, and S2s are on April 1.

All matches will be played at Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds.

l Dalziel are due to entertain local rivals East Kilbride in a Scottish Hydro-Electric National League Division One match at Dalziel Park on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.

l Strathaven Rugby Club, whose West League Division Two match at Clydesdale was postponed on Saturday, are due to face Braidholm at Whiteshawgate on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.