Rugby match thrills fans at McDiarmid

Mar 3 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

MCDIARMID Park hosted a thrilling rugby clash between Scotland A and their Italian counterparts.

The Scots relied on a late try from Johnnie Beattie to secure a 22-22 draw on Friday.

The visitors seemed to be heading for an away win when Beattie charged through their defensive line.

The match had swung to and fro but the Italians were five points up going into the closing stages.

Their Aussie-born star Chris Burton was a thorn in the side of the Scots.