Heslop runs riot in Touch World Cup

David Heslop scored 11 tries as Scotland's Mixed Open touch team saw off Ireland and the Netherlands on the opening day of the Touch World Cup in Edinburgh.

Despite the inclement weather, play got under way on time at Peffermill and Heslop was the main man as the Scots got their campaign off to a flying start with a 7-1 win over Ireland. He bagged four tries, while Carl McWilliam, Kerry Sweeney and Judy Anderson also scored.

Later on in the afternoon, Heslop led the way with seven tries as they beat the Netherlands 12-5. Kyle McPherson added two tries with Sweeney, Lindsay Murdoch and Douglas Johnson also going over.

The team will now face Wales this morning knowing that a win will see them top their pool.

The Scotland Men's Open team also clocked up a win, 11-4 over the USA. In the Women's Open category the team lost to Wales, but drew with England and the Mens 30s lost their first two matches. In their opener, the Mens 35s lost 11-1 against a slick South African outfit, Philippe Houcastagne grabbing the Scottish try.

The Mens 40s lost their first match, but bounced back to draw with England.

On day one, there were a number of one-sided affairs involving other nations. Three players scored hat-tricks as New Zealand defeated Austria 22-1 in the Mens Open category and, in the Womens Open, category the Kiwis defeated the same nation 25-2, Niall Williams scoring six tries.

In the Mixed Open, England defeated Catalonia 19-1, with Patrick Kearins and Kris Friend scoring three tries apiece, but best individual performance of the day came from Australia's Gavin Shuker. Shuker scored 11 tries as his side defeated Luxembourg 31-0 in the Mens 30s category.

The action continues today with free entry.