The game rarely sparkled offensively, with soft underfoot conditions favouring the defenses. However Scotland did also contribute to the low scoring contest with no fewer than five turnovers and 88 yards of penalties on offense alone. England also struggled offensively, gaining only a net 4 yards rushing and completing 6 passes for 37 yards.

The first quarter started slowly with both sides taking time to settle. The Scots did put together one good drive on the back of strong running by Willie Brown and Peter Sochart, but QB Gary McNey saw his pass picked off in the endzone to halt the momentum. Scotland did take the lead however on an 8-yard McNey pass to Stevie Branscombe on 4th down midway through the second period. The 2-point attempt saw McNey just miss Alan Street, leaving the home side 6-0 ahead. That score remained unchanged until the interval, with the two sides trading possession on a number of occasions.

After the restart, England began to gain some yardage through the air on a succession of short pass completions. However, that success was short lived and Scotland soon regained possession. Another good drive was rounded off with a second McNey to Branscombe TD pass, this time from 24 yards. The 2 point conversion was again unsuccessful with running back Brown being stopped just short of the line. England tried manfully to get back into the game but they were thwarted at every turn by a strong Scottish "D" who were desperate to keep a clean sheet. The final quarter came and went without any further scoring and it was the home side who were celebrating at the final whistle. Although this year's competition was decided on a one-off fixture following the withdrawal of Ireland & Wales, Team Scotland lifted the title of British Champions for the fourth year in a row.

Scotland 30 Ireland 0 at Glasgow
Scorers: Stevie Branscombe (2 TD), Graham Whyte (TD), David Molloy (TD), David Kidd (TD)

In a game shortened because of a depleted Irish squad, Scotland achieved the victory they needed to win the Four Nations title for the third successive year.

Ireland received the opening kick-off, but quickly gave up possession when James Dougall intercepted QB Paraic Reddington on the very first play. The Scots soon capitalised, and Stevie Branscombe was on the end of a 25-yard pass from Roddy Greig to open the score. Greig, playing his last game before emigrating to the States, was again on target in the second period, completing scoring passes to both Graham Whyte (43 yards) and David Molloy (28 yards).

In the third quarter, Scotland looked to their running game, and after a five-play drive, all on the ground, David Kidd carried over from the 3-yard line. Later in the period, Greig completed his fourth TD of the day, again finding Branscombe, this time from 38 yards. The East Kilbride QB finished with 6 completions for 161 yards and 4 TD's before being replaced by James Keogh late in the game.

At the end of the game, Scotland were presented with the Kerr Thomson Cup. This new piece of silverware has been donated by Edinburgh based Financial Advisers, Kerr Thomson, and will be awarded annually to the winners of the Four Nations tournament.

Team Scotland organiser Bill Campbell said after the game "We are delighted to retain our title, and maintain our undefeated record too. Hopefully we can carry this forward and build on our success again next year. I would also like to thank the Irish team for playing this fixture, despite arriving with only 13 players. They put up a brave show and never gave up. Their attitude throughout the game has to be admired".

27th September 1998

Scotland 36 England 6 at Glasgow
Scorers: Ian Nelson (TD), Stevie Branscombe (TD), Derek Gallagher (TD), Alan Street (2 TD), Graeme Reith (TD)

Scotland tightened their grip on the Nations Cup with a competent win over England at Scotstoun Stadium on Sunday. They opened the scoring in the first quarter when cornerback Ian "BA" Nelson returned an interception for a 25-yard score. There was no more scoring until the second quarter, where the home side ran in no fewer than 4 TD’s. The first of those was a 10 yard pass from Gary McNey to Stevie Branscombe. Next on the score sheet was full back "Dek" Gallagher who powered in from 3 yards. McNey then went back to the air and found receiver Alan Street for scores of 13 and 25 yards. None of Scotland’s 5 TD’s were converted, leaving the score as 30 – 0 at halftime.

The large halftime lead appeared to make the Scots complacent as their second half performance was so disappointing that Coach Steve Collins felt obliged to apologise to the spectators at the end of the game. England netted the only score of the third period when a fumbled punt return was recovered by Mark Saunders in the endzone. A late 20-yard pass from relief QB Roddy Greig to Graeme Reith concluded the scoring.

6th September 1998

Wales 8 Scotland 50 at Cardiff
Scorers: Stevie Branscombe (3 TD), Andy Johnston (TD), Gary McNey (TD), David Molloy (2 TD), David Kidd (2 2XP), Alan Street (2XP), Robert Russell (2XP)

Scotland’s defence of their 1997 Nations Cup title started with a win in Cardiff. Despite travelling with an under strength squad, the Scots proved too strong for the Dragons.

The visitors opened the scoring when QB Gary McNey launched a 55 yard pass to Stevie Branscombe. TE Rab Russell pulled in the 2 point conversion. In the second quarter the McNey/Branscombe combination connected again for a 16 yard score. This time RB Davie Kidd added the extra points. A third passing TD soon followed for McNey when he found Andy Johnston from 10 yards out. This unconverted score made it 0 – 22 at the half.

Any thoughts that Wales held of a third quarter comeback were quickly dispelled when McNey ran the ball in and Kidd added another 2 pointer. Replacement QB Roddy Greig came on midway through the third period and quickly made an impression. His 18 yard pass gave Branscombe his third TD of the game. Early in the final period, Wales finally punctured the Scottish "D" with a 2 yard plunge following a good long drive, and for good measure added a 2 point conversion (scorers not known). Scotland were not finished there, and Greig twice found wideout Dave Molloy for TD’s with passes of 22 and 30 yards. A successful 2 pointer to WR Alan Street on the second of these rounded off the scoring.

Wales team photo - 1998 season

Scotland 38 Wales 6 at Edinburgh
Scorers: David Molloy (TD & 2XP), Ian Nelson (TD), Stevie Branscombe (TD), Andy Meikle (TD), Billy Drummond (TD), Robert Grant (FG & 3 PAT)

The Scots went into this match knowing that a win would secure the inaugural Nations Cup title. However, after a stuttering start at a blustery Meadowbank Stadium, the home side was shocked when the visitors took the lead. The Dragons’ QB, Matt Slimming found receiver Steve Gordon for a 7-yard score. Wales carried the 6-0 lead into the second quarter, but the Scots soon levelled when QB Gary McNey connected with WR Dave Molloy for a 19-yard TD. Robert Grant added the PAT, giving Scotland a lead they were never to lose. Later in the same period, Scotland cornerback, Ian Nelson returned an interception 23 yards to the endzone. This was followed by another passing TD for McNey, who connected with Stevie Branscombe from 19 yards out, and Molloy ran in the 2-point conversion on a reverse, to make it 21-6 at the interval.

Scotland vs Wales, 1997

In the third period McNey was again successful through the air, with TE Andy Meikle pulling in a 21-yarder. Grant again added the PAT. Then, in the fourth quarter it was kicker Grant who scored again, this time with a 45-yard field goal. The scoring was concluded by the Scots’ "D", when Stirling linebacker Billy Drummond picked off a pass and returned it 75 yards. The PAT was good once more.

At the end of the game, Claymores National Coach, Mike Kenny nominated Scotland linebacker, Scott McMenemy as the game’s MVP, and presented him with a game ball. This was followed by the presentation of the Nations Cup to victorious Head Coach, Steve Collins by Will Wilson of the Claymores.

Collins said he was pleased with the win, and is already looking forward to defending the title in 1998. He also took time out to mention the Welsh side which put up a stronger fight than many had expected, stating that they had improved greatly since their defeat by Ireland earlier in the year.

Ireland 6 Scotland 31 at Belfast
Scorers: David Molloy (TD), Stevie Branscombe (TD), David Kidd (2 TD), Robert Grant (FG & 2 PAT), Safety.

Scotland travelled to Belfast to take on an Irish side confident of victory following their recent win over Wales. If they could also outdo the Scots, Ireland would be the inaugural winners of the Nations Cup, gridiron’s version of the Home Internationals. This tournament, which England chose not to compete in, will become an annual event, and will surely involve a team from South of the border before too long.

The Scottish side, already dubbed The Bravehearts, quickly took the game to the home side, and opened the scoring when East Kilbride QB Gary McNey connected with Lothian Raiders WR Dave Molloy for a 69 yard TD. Robert Grant added the extra point for an early 7 – 0 lead. Grant, a development player with the Claymores, stretched the lead with a 30 yard field goal. Before the First Quarter was finished, the Scots had a further 2 points on the board, when a bad snap near their own goal-line forced the Irish to play the ball out the back of their endzone for a safety.

12 – 0 up, going into the second period, Scotland appeared to be well in command. However, a 37 yard interception return by American based, Andrew Mitchell brought the Irish back to within one score. There was no further scoring in the first half, and despite their domination, Scotland were only 12 – 6 up at the break.

Any thoughts Ireland had of a comeback were short lived. McNey completed a 14 yard pass to Claymore, Stevie Branscombe, and Grant again added the PAT. Irish heads dropped at that point and it was no real surprise when Scotland scored again, Pirates’ RB David Kidd finishing off a good drive with a 1 yard run. The PAT was missed this time, but the lead was now 25 – 6.

In the final period, Scotland gave playing time to many of their back-up players, and still continued to dominate on both sides of the ball. Kidd scored again, this time going over from the 3 yard line. Once more the conversion attempt failed, leaving the final outcome as 31 – 6 to Scotland.

Overall, this was a fine performance from what many considered to be an understrength Scotland side. The Defense was particularly impressive, restricting Ireland to a total of only 56 yards on Offense. Scotland now must prepare for the visit of Wales on October 5^th and will be favourites to defeat the young, inexperienced Welsh side and take the Nations Cup.