Wales Under 18 men had to withstand a torrid second half Scotland revival before securing a 34-15 victory in their opening game of the U18 Six Nations festival being held in Vichy, France.
Played in perfect conditions, both sides entertained with dazzling running rugby at Stade Municipal Louis Darragon but Wales’ win was also built on a resolute defence wtih Scotland throwing everything at Richie Pugh’s side but Wales were unyielding in a critical period in the second spell when the Scots tried to get back into the game.
Despite their best efforts, they were repeatedly denied with Wales’ back row cutting down every blue shirted player who threatened the Welsh line until Sam Morgan was able to intercept and run 50m to score his second try of the match to secure victory.
Earlier there was a lengthy delay in proceedings after Scotland loosehead prop William Geary slumped to the ground from a scrum.
Wales were the first to score in the 8th minute when right winger Ryley Fussell went over in the corner after Richie Pugh’s side stole a Scotland line-out.
With both sides throwing the ball about and both sets of back threes looking dangerous with ball in hand, there was plenty of thrust and counter thrust.
Scotland full back Alex Sneddon levelled the score in the 21st minute when he slid through the Welsh cover to score out wide but Wales were quick to recapture the lead only two minutes later when Dylan Quin finished off a slick counter-attack. Will Ford’s conversion put Wales 12-5 ahead.
Full back Sam Morgan made it a clean sweep of tries for the back three when he dotted down to give Wales a 17-5 cushion at the break.
Quin pounced on a Scottish error in the second minute of the second half to scamper home from 30m. Ford’s excellent conversion gave Wales a handy 24-5 lead.
Scotland hit back when Rowan Walsh scrambled over from close range to keep the Scots in touch.
Wales maintained scoreboard pressure when Ford added a short range penalty but Scotland replied with impressive winger Ben McDonald scorching over to make it 27-15 after 45mins.
Wales were under siege as the boys in blue attacked constantly but they couldn’t find a way through the red walled defence.
Pugh’s side stood firm and sealed victory when Morgan plucked the ball from a Robson pass as the Scots threw everything at Wales. Morgan had the easy task of running 50m unopposed to give Ford the easiest of conversions to ensure Wales opened the festival with a comfortable victory.