A SECOND-half try from hosts Italy denied Scotland in their opening game of the Six Nations Summer Series (under-20s).

The Scots, co-captained by North Berwick’s Poppy Fletcher, had bounced back from going behind early doors to take a narrow lead into the half-time interval.

The match in Parma’s Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi was Scotland’s first official game as a team.

Claire Cruikshank, head coach of the Scottish side, said: “There are a lot of things that we can fix quite quickly.

“There’s some real positives in creating opportunities, which is fantastic to see. There are definitely more positives.

“We got to the edge and we created opportunities, we just need to not force it.

“Those are simple fixes.”

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JUNE 01: Poppy Fletcher during a Scotland Womens Rugby U20 headshots Session at Peffermill, on June 01, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group).

Poppy Fletcher has been Scotland's co-captain. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group).

Scotland held a 13-12 lead at the interval thanks to a try from Nicole Flynn, converted by Lucy MacRae, who scored two penalties.

However, a try for the hosts after the break proved decisive, despite Scotland coming close at the end.

Elsewhere over the weekend, France beat Wales 57-12 while England defeated Ireland 33-10.

On Tuesday, Scotland lost out to France, who were 69-10 winners.

They wrap up their campaign against Ireland tomorrow (Sunday) in a 9am kick-off.