By Helen Thompson

Last updated at 13:04, Monday, 02 November 2009

Workington Town star Paddy Coupar helped Scotland seal a place in the European Cup final at the weekend.

Paddy Coupar

Coupar came off the bench in Scotland’s 22-10 victory over Lebanon that sealed their place in the final, where they will meet Wales at Bridgend next Sunday.

Scotland scoring eight points while down to 11 men in the closing stages of the first half proved to be the psychological turning point for both sides.

Former Haven star Mick Nanyn was key to their victory on a tough afternoon with driving wind and rain.

Lebanon took the lead with an unconverted try after just seven minutes and then the two sides traded blows until John Cox and Iain Morrison were both sin binned for interference within a minute of each other.

Scotland, down to 11, banded together and hit back with a try for Brendon Lindsay, converted by Nanyn, who then added a penalty shortly after for an 8-4 lead.

James Nixon then touched down and Nanyn made it three out of three to give Scotland a 14-4 lead at the break.

In the second half Scotland were on top, Nanyn and Paddy Coupar fashioned a break out down the right and Brendon Lindsay did well to hold on to a kick that came back off Ndeira.

Then another penalty allowed Nanyn to bring the lead out to 16-4. Then he converted a Kevin Henderson try for 22-4.

Lebanon came back with a late converted try but by then it was Scotland’s afternoon and they duly took the honours and their place in the final.

Coach Steve McCormack was delighted, he said: “It was as tough as we expected and it was about who would adapt to the conditions the best.

“The win perfectly epitomised the spirit in our camp especially keeping Lebanon at bay when we down by two men, that was a fantastic effort.

“We are not a team full of superstars but we will always work hard for each other.”

First published at 11:37, Monday, 02 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk