Gordon Ross scored eight points for Scotland

Scotland A (10) 13
Tries: Lamont
Pens: Ross 2
Cons: Ross

USA (6) 9
Pens: Viljoen 3

A strong Scotland A line-up produced a disappointing display but edged out the USA in the opening game of the Churchill Cup for Frank Hadden's side.

Scotland took an early lead when Rory Lamont touched down after a sweeping move, with the try converted by Gordon Ross who then added a penalty.

Penalties either side of half-time by Francois Viljoen gave the Eagles hope.

Another Viljoen kick went over off the upright, but Ross eased the pressure with a penalty under the posts.

A shock victory for the USA looked on the cards when Viljoen pulled them to within a point and Scotland hooker Scott Lawson was sin-binned.

But they could not take advantage of the extra man.

Scotland also failed to score after the Eagles' Todd Clever was binned following Lawson's return.

Never for a minute did I think we were going to lose the game Scotland coach Frank Hadden

And Scotland coach Hadden, who fielded 10 full internationals, was given much to think about ahead of Monday's game against his side's English counterparts.

The Saxons recorded a 51-3 win five days ago against an American side that has since been bolstered by professionals who were absent due to club commitments.

But Hadden refused to be downbeat.

"It was good," he insisted. "The history of A-team rugby is that it is fairly scrappy.

"Credit to the USA. They are a big, physical, athletic side who got stuck in and were effective enough to stop a side that were not well organised and found it difficult to get a first-phase platform.

"Our lads put in a tremendous amount of effort. We just need to tidy things up.

"Never for a minute did I think we were going to lose the game and the boys will be looking forward to Monday."

Leeds Tykes prop Mike MacDonald was delighted with the USA's improvement since being heavily beaten by the English and put it down to hard work on the training field.

"Scotland had quite a few full internationals in there and we're very proud of the way we played," he said.

Scotland A: Lamont, Webster, MacRae, Morrison, R. Lawson, Evans, Ross, S. Lawson, Dickinson, Douglas, Hall, Fullarton, Swindall, Barclay, Beattie.
Replacements: Kydd for Morrison (68), Chrystie for R. Lawson (77), Godman for Ross (79), Strokosch for S. Lawson (64), Smith for Douglas (48), M. Rennie for Fullarton (48). Not Used: Thomson.

Sin Bin: S. Lawson (55).

USA: Viljoen, Wyles, Emerick, Tuipulotu, Palefau, Malifa, Kjar, MacDonald, Crick, Osentowski, Mexted, Mangan, Aylor, Clever, Stanfill.
Replacements: Sika for Malifa (22), Burdette for Crick (51), Basauri for Aylor (53), Payne for Clever (22). Not Used: French, Williams, Esikia.

Sin Bin: Clever (66).

Att: 1,200