Rugby mascots attend international match

Young rugby players Brandon Talukder and Kieran Whyte were among the mascots at Saturday’s rugby international match between Scotland and Tonga at Pittodrie.

The pair flew down to Aberdeen so they missed the boat journey endured by their fellow youngsters from Shetland Rugby Club, with many feeling sick during a particularly rocky part of the voyage between Lerwick and Kirkwall.

The match was a huge disappointment with a lacklustre home side being brushed aside by the South Sea islanders, despite the visitors having three players sin-binned.

Tonga scored the only two tries in a 21-15 victory, with all of Scotland’s coming from penalties via the boot of fly half Greg Laidlaw. The defeat led to the resignation of coach Andy Robinson the following day.

The Shetland contingent also met up with MSP Tavish Scott and his wife Kirsten, who were guests at the stadium.

Mr Scott said after the match: “Pittrodie was a great place to meet Shetlanders on Saturday with mascots, supporters and Shetland club representatives all there.

“Sadly the game did not live up to expectations although as islanders we have to salute the skills and strengths of the Tongans.

“I hope the boat home on Saturday night was better than the passage south on Friday.”