Paterson kicks Scotland to 18-10 win over Italy

EDINBURGH - Fullback Chris Paterson kicked Scotland to an 18-10 win over Italy Saturday for the home side's first victory of the Six Nations championship.

Paterson, one of Scotland's few candidates for the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand this year, converted all six of his penalty attempts in an error-riddled match.,

By contrast, Italy missed three penalty attempts and a converted try by centre Andrea Masi in the 78th minute after a charge down came too late to affect the result.

The Italians, who have not won one of their three matches so far in the tournament, now look doomed to finish bottom of the table with games against world champions England and 2004 Six Nations winners France still to come.

Paterson kicked his first penalty after four minutes and added another on the half hour as Scotland took a 6-3 lead at halftime.

His opposite number Roland de Marigny replied for Italy in the 22nd minute but missed two other attempts before the interval. Flyhalf Luciano Orquera also failed to convert a kickable penalty.

Scotland left wing Sean Lamont, who was named as the man-of-the match, went over the Italy line in the second half but was called back for a forward pass.

Scorers:

Scotland - Penalties: Chris Paterson (6)

Italy - Try: Andrea Masi; Conversion: Roland de Marigny;

Penalty: de Marigny.

- REUTERS