Around a dozen Scotland players took time off from their preparations for Saturday's EMC Test against Ireland to meet some of the youngsters who are part of a success story at a local Fife club.

From the P1 Madrascals to the under-17s, the youngsters connected to Madras rugby club in St Andrews are determined to follow the lead of the senior first XV who won Caledonia Division 2 Midlands last season with a 100 % record.

Chunk in the mix: Scotland prop Allan Jacobsen appears to be enjoying himself with the Madrascals

One of the added attractions of the Scotland players' trip to Station Park was the EMC pass challenge - a giant inflatable erected by the Scotland match sponsor - which measures the speed of a pass.

 According to the literature, the current Guinness World record is 48mph but, last night, Scotland wing Simon Danielli, had the electronic gauge reading 48.2mph, which he claimed as a new record.

Red tape might decree otherwise as your correspondent seems to remember that such records have to be "independently verified" - at least that's what they used to say on "Record Breakers" on the TV!

Simon had the gague showing in excess of 49 mph too - but that effort was ruled out because he used a smaller rugby ball.

Great fun was had at the EMC pass challenge

While Simon and hooker Scott Lawson were marshalls and expert tipsters for a long queue at the EMC pass challenge, a number of other players, including prop Allan Jacobsen, locks Alastair Kellock and Robert Harley and full-back Jack Cuthbert, joined in impromptu games of touch rugby with the youngsters.

Photographs and autographs brought an end to a night that left Madras president Phil Mackey "well pleased." He added: "It's great that the players have spent time with our youngsters tonight and it's been really appreciated."