Thornton helps Scotland reach new heights

Scotland’s U20s will finish fifth in the Junior World Cup, if they beat Australia on Sunday.
Hull’s George Thornton maintained his record of starting every game for the Scots in a thrilling 29-25 win over Wales.
The Welsh looked to have taken the spoils when they led 25-22 lead with just five minutes left to play.
But winger Graham scored a converted try to regain the lead for the Scots at the most crucial time to set up their clash with Australia for fifth spot.
Welsh skipper Jones gave his side an early lead with the first score of the game, but Robson’s conversion was off target.
Two converted tries in eight minutes from Graham and McCann gave Scotland control of the fixture.
Nicholas’ try and Robson’s conversion reduced Scotland’s lead to 14-12 with 10 minutes of the first half to play.
But Scotland gave themselves breathing space with Hunter-Hill’s unconverted try in the 34th minute that saw the side’s turn around with the Scots leading 19-12.
Robson and Eastgate exchanged penalties as both sides showed caution.
Robson’ second penalty of the second half gave the Welsh side hope trailing by just four points with a quarter of the game to play.
Wales were on top at this stage with Robson running the show.
His try and conversion in the 70th minute gave them a 25-22 lead with 10 minutes to play.
The question was whether they could hold on. They couldn’t. With nothing to lose, Scotland knew one try could be the final blow.
Graham delivered it with five minutes to go with Eastgate nailing the conversion to leave Wales needing to score a try to advance.
With Thornton playing the full 80 minutes, Wales couldn’t find the killer pass to open up Scotland’s defence.
Eighth is the best finish Scotland have managed so this team is raising the bar higher than ever before and fifth would be a tremendous achievement.