Scottish Thistles finished runners-up in the Plate at Saturday's opening round of the eight-team GB7s at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay and go into the second leg of the series at Meggetland this Saturday in fifth position.

Fielding a mix of amateur players, the Scots were given a tough test in a professional environment but after losing their three pool matches they showed their ability to adjust to this level of rugby by winning their Plate semi-final and then losing by just two points in a thrilling final.

"I thought the boys stacked up well," said Scotland sevens head coach Stephen Gemmell, before adding: "Overall it was a worthwhile exercise."

In what was dubbed the battle of the Celtic nations, Thistles lost 38-21 to Crawshays Welsh in their opening tie before losing narrowly to Marauders 21-19. Then, against Samurai, captained by Selkirk's Fraser Harkness, the Thistles were overrun 35-5, this defeat placing them bottom of the second of the two pools.

The Scots showed strong character in bouncing back against Irish Exiles in their Plate semi-final, two tries by the Melrose player, Richard Mill, and three conversions from Andrew Skeen helping them to a stylish 38-5 victory and a place in the final.

Thistles looked to be heading for victory in the final but with the last touch of the ball, Marauders, a side of south east professionals, snatched a 28-26 victory.