Scotland fell to a disappointing 34-7 defeat to Wales in the Student Four Nations Championships in Bray, Ireland this afternoon.

They trailed just 6-8 at half-time but fell apart in the second half, leaving coach Nathan Graham dismayed at the final score.

"We were outstanding in the first half but we lost a lot of energy after the break and stopped playing. Some players went into their shells and we did a lot of dumb things defensively. I'm gutted for the lads because the score doesn't reflect the whole game."

Scotland's try came from Charlie Leask of Gateshead College, who had moved to centre for this game, finishing off a fine short-side move to wrestle over in the right hand corner. Co-captain Finny Murphy of St Andrews University kicked the conversion. University of Gloucestershire's Ryan Lee added a second-half drop goal but it was nowhere near enough as the Bravehearts faded.

Coming only two days after a 56-6 defeat by holders and favourites England, it was little surprise Scotland struggled as the game went on.

"If we could put the second half from the England game together with the first half from today we would be alright," admitted Graham, the former Bradford and Scotland full-back. "Credit must go to our back rowers Gavin Grant and Dan Turland and Ollie Murray at loose forward, who have all played every minute of both games and been fantastic. Ollie was Man of the Match today - he was absolutely brilliant, and Niall Sydney was excellent at full-back too. They are both teenagers with a lot of potential."

Wales beat Ireland 20-12 in their opening game so go top of the group. Scotland now have two days to recover before playing hosts Ireland at Castle Grounds in Bray on Friday at 4pm.