(Do you remember the "Day" when Scotland played England in 2000? Wild day in the Grassmarket. First we watched the game at the Rugby players pub, then to Salsa Bar and we ended up in a Jazz Club with empty pockets.Later on we took a ride to Inverleith...ooopppsss!! and back to Marchmont, ha, ha, ha...).
Text tret del diari The Scotsman...
Scotland 15-9 England: Calcutta cup win for Scots
Simon Shaw of England wins the lineout ball from Simon Taylor of Scotland. (Picture: Shaun Botterill/ Getty Images)
By BILL LOTHIAN
SCOTLAND ground out one of the most phenomenal victories in their rugby history by beating England 15-9 to reclaim the Calcutta Cup for the first time in two years and break their RBS Six Nations duck for 2008 today at Murrayfield.
In a furious finish the Scots held their nerve to pin England back in their half for a win based on another flawless place-kicking performance with Chris Paterson slotting four penalties – he has now landed 29 goals in a row - and sub. Dan Parks banging over a long range effort.England's points came from three penalties by Jonny Wilkinson.This was neither colourful or particularly stylish but no Scot in the capacity crowd would care a jot.The Scots played the conditions that comprised blustery wind laced with rain brilliantly in always looking to up the tempo often through quick line-out ball.At the heart of the Scottish display was a revitalised defence in which Hugo Southwell, after an early handlng mistake, was immense."It was a gutsy Scottish display. We are just delighted to stick in for 82 minutes. It's a bit relief. We are happy to celebrate" said Scots skipper Mike Blair.A dark shadow was cast over the first half by a horror injury to Scotland winger Rory Lamont.With 20 minutes gone England kicked up their right flank and Lamont, in covering across, opted to fall bravely arriving at the same time as the unfortunate Iain Balshaw's boot.It was later announced that Lamont was "stable" in hospital and recovering but the accidental collision sent a shiver around the ground.Otherwise everything else went swimmingly for the Scots in a match played out between downpours and the first sign of a upset came in eight minutes when Chris Paterson opened the scoring with a penalty.It took England ntil the 25th minute to level through a penalty from Jonny Wilkinson but Paterson restored the Scottish lead in 29 minutes.With the last kick of a stop-start half Paterson gave the Scots a 9-3 lead with a third penalty.
HALF TIME: SCOTLAND 9, ENGLAND 3
Paterson opened the second period as he had closed the first with a penalty.And, when Dan Parks, who had come on at stand off for Lamont with Paterson moving to the left wing, banged over a long range penalty home hopes soared.The home support was given a reality check by penalties from Wilkinson in the 49th and 51st minutes.Entering the final quarter Scots coach Frank Hadden made a massive call to throw on Jason White at second row rather than in his now customary back row role thereby conceding a stone in weight with the scrum always looking fragile.However the Scots set-piece held firm and soon after White made a monumental hit which drove Paul Sackey back yards.That was a signal that the Scots were intent on staying the course and a memorable victory was ultimately achieved with a bit to spare.
