Scotland withstood an opening barrage from USA to progress to the semi finals of the 2024 European U19s Championship in a delayed tie at the FC Radnicki Stadium in Belgrade, winning 32-10. The clash was held over because of travel difficulties after storms in the region and despite a 10.30am local time kick off, temperatures continued to swelter with only a light relieving breeze.

USA’s Young Hawks, in their first-ever outing, made a great impression especially early on but Scotland’s greater nous, displayed by their excellent spine, saw them home. “It was a really enjoyable occasion despite the heat which affected handling a little for both sides,” said Scotland U19s head coach Leigh Beattie. “The lads are already in the ice bath’s preparing for favourites France, they’ll be no lack of effort for that match.”

Scotland prop Isaac Reid had the first chance but spilt the ball on his way to the line, the Hawks quickly growing into the contest and claiming the opening try when Drayson Moliga spectacularly dived into the left corner, Lidarius Moananu with a superb conversion from the touchline. 

Scotland full back Hayden Cumming spotted a gap to respond from close in and his side went ahead soon after, Seth Clapham finishing a fine passing move to the left for the first of his brace of tries, Maxwell Shelton adding the extras.

Tries just before and after the break put the Scots in control, Jack Suddick on an overlap on the right before hooter and Clapham with his second at the start of the second period with another clinical finish. Winger Isaac Jepson appeared to have added a further try shortly afterwards but Clapham’s pass was ruled forward.

Impressive Moananu crashed over for USA out wide just after the hour to keep them in contention, but he pushed his conversion attempt wide. The Hawks sent a kick out on the full and then compounded the error with a goal line drop also heading over the touchline allowing Shelton to establish a 12-point lead from the penalty.

Jepson gained his reward cleaning up Clapham’s offload and the best was saved until last with loose forward Tom Gray’s excellent long-range midfield break completing the try scoring, Shelton with his fourth successful shot at goal.

George Tupou, USA Young Hawks head coach, commented: “I’m really proud of the boys in their first competitive performance. It was the first time they’ve played as a team. A couple of silly mistakes at play the balls cost them but we made history. A little bit of lack of experience showed but Scotland played well, they knew how to capitalise.”

Scotland will now face France in the second semi final on Wednesday at 6pm (local time), while USA will take on hosts Serbia in the 5th v 6th play-off match at 2pm on the same day.