The Irish Universities coped better with a tricky wind and deserved this win in Edinburgh yesterday.

Although Scottish number eight Gregor Hayter had an outstanding game, the visiting pack were on top and Ireland also had the more dangerous backs.

A surge by hooker Jerry Flannery set up the opening try on eight minutes. Full back Colin Healy took a pass from out-half Mark McHugh to score from close range.

McHugh added two penalties before the break, and a third two minutes into the second half.

Scotland replied 12 minutes later when Hayter picked up at the scrum and barged his way over. The try was converted by full back Derek McCombe

But Ireland hit back immediately. Scrum-half Colin Curneen won quick ruck ball from the restart and sent centre Ronan O'Donovan off for a touch down.

Flanker Rupert Clark claimed a try for Scotland on 70 minutes, which was converted, but Brian O'Mahony, who came on for McHugh, added another penalty in the final minute.

Scottish Universities: D McCombe; V Millard, A Arnold, R Steel, K Gartside; G Mason, A Wade: G Caldwell, R Sands, R Pollock, A Ness, D Paton, R Clarke, G Hayter (Abertay), S Hawe. Replacements: N Paterson for Mason (70); P Johnston for Hayter (62).

Irish Universities: C Healy (UCC); S Doggett (UCD), R Wallace (Dub U), R O'Donovan, D Hope (both UCC); R McHugh, C Cuneen (both Dublin U); A McSweeney, J Flannery (both UCC), R McCormack, D Broughall (both UCD), F McKenna (UCC), J Shine, A Kearney, G Cantwell (all UCD). Replacements: D O'Mahony (UCC) for McHugh (72); A Banbridge (UCD) for Cuneen (72); K Murphy (Dublin U) for Shine 65).

Referee: E Coutts (Watsonians).