Scotland proved to be too strong in their final match, defeating hosts Serbia 56-0 in a contest not without controversy.

Jacob Grierson crossed for Scotland’s second try in the 12th minute but was then sent off for punching - Serbia’s Sasa O’Flynn dispatched to the sin bin for his part in the incident which was also placed on report - but the Scots took the setback in their stride.

“It was an impressive win for the boys,” said Scotland U19 coach Mark Milnes. ‘It was a really gritty victory and great to see a lot of young lads make their debuts. We have a development programme in place and hopefully this is the start of something.”

Frazer Murray opened the scoring before Grierson dropped the ball over line prior to his try and red card and, with both sides a man down, Tom Gray and Harry Roper went over, Michael Myles perfect with the boot.

With Serbia restored to 13 men they showed more promise and pressure, camping out on Scotland’s line for several sets but couldn’t make it pay, Bailey Schneider extending Scotland’s lead.

Centre Murray posted his brace a minute into the second half and Jack Suddick found his way to the line ten minutes later, Oli Brady on successful kicking duties. A powerful run from 40m out by prop Isaac Reid added further points just after the hour mark, Isaac Jepson crossing on the next set.

Scotland’s tenth try came from a long Hayden Cumming break, Maxwell Shelton backing up for the touchdown.

Serbia coaching consultant, Darren Fisher, said: “It’s been a great competition overall and for our boys it’s been a great learning curve. It’s been good to see us put some structure in our game as the competition went on. We’re pretty pleased despite the results.”

SERBIA 0
Sasa O’Flynn, Jovan Loncar, Mihajlo Markovic, Filip Nesic, Strahinja Milankovic, Danilo Gavrilovic, Silver Zenuni, Luka Bojcic, Stefan Andric, Edin Mehmedi, Nikola Mitrovic, Luke Trifunovic, Aleksandar Stojanovic. Interchanges: Mateja Stojkovic, Jakov Dojcinovic, Luka Miricic.

Sin bin – Sasa O’Flynn (12 – retaliation)

SCOTLAND 56

Hayden Cumming, Jai Connelly, Frazer Murray, Fraser Macaulay, Cam Cullen, Myles Michael, Isaac Jepson, Maxwell Shelton, Reece Smethurst, Gabe Lewis, Joey Clarkson, Jacob Grierson, Tom Gray. Interchanges: Alfie Maclean, Bailey Schneider, Harry Roper, Kier Fyfe, Oli Brady, Jack Suddick

Tries: Murray (9, 41), Grierson (12), Gray (15), Roper (21), Schneider (25), Suddick (52), Reid (61), Jepson (63), Shelton (76)
Goals: Michael 4/5, Brady 3/3, Schneider 1/1

Sent off – Grierson (12 – punching)