Two penalty kicks from Scotland stand-off Alex Blair followed an early Irish effort from his Irish counterpart James McKinney to see the Scots snatch the lead early on.

However, a brace of tries from inside-centre, Nevin Spence, either side of a pair of McKinney penalties, reclaimed and extended the Irish advantage.

On both occasions the Irish used their potency out wide to great effect, dragging the Scot's drift defence with them before the talented centre cut back inside to register his brace.

McKinney added both conversions to dramatically change the momentum of the tie, 23-6.

Star centre Spence then turned from scorer to creator as he put full-back Andrew Conway though for Ireland's third try of the half.

McKinney then added the extras and Ireland were looking comfortable going in at the break.

HALF TIME: 30-9

Scotland started brightly and, after just two minutes, Blair slotted his fourth penalty kick (awarded for yet another Irish infringement in the tackle area) however the Irish bounced back from the kick as they had previously and shipped the ball wide.

Conway was on hand once more to register his second try of the evening and, while Blair kicked his fifth penalty of the night shortly after, right wing Tiernan O'Halloran crossed for Ireland's fifth and final try to close out a disappointing night for Scotland.

FULL TIME: 44-15

Scotland head coach, Eamon John, said: "Ireland counter-attacked very well and, realistically, I've no complaints. We were second best tonight to the best side we've come up against in the tournament and Ireland thoroughly deserved the win."

SCOTLAND TEAM
Tom Brown (Edinburgh Accies); Oliver Grove (Worcester Warriors), James Johnstone (Currie), Alex Dunbar (Selkirk), Dougie Fife (Currie); Alex Blair (Edinburgh Accies), Alex Black (Leeds Carnegie); Nicky Little (Hawick), Alun Walker (Currie), Colin Phillips (Stewart's Melville), Matthew Reid (Heriot's), Robert Harley (West of Scotland), Michael Maltman (Heriot's), Stuart McInally CAPTAIN (Watsonians), David Denton (Edinburgh Accies)

Replacements used
Lindsey Gibson (Melrose), George Hunter (Glasgow Hawks), Callum Stidston-Nott (London Scottish), Kris Hamilton (Caithness), Matthew Scott (Currie), Duncan Weir (Glasgow Hawks)

Not used - Aaron Hall (Newcastle Falcons)

Duncan Weir will remain a Glasgow Hawks player until the end of the season when he will join Glasgow Warriors

SCOTLAND UNDER-20 6 NATIONS SCHEDULE
Friday 5 February - Scotland under-20 8-8 France under-20
Friday 12 February - Wales under-20 20-12 Scotland under-20
Friday 26 February - Italy under-20 16-18 Scotland under-20
Friday 12 March - Scotland under-20 6-27 England
Friday 19 March - Ireland under-20 44-15 Scotland under-20