Scotland’s men salvaged a point in their bid to qualify for Junior World Cup with two goals from 16-year-old Josh Cairns in the first round of The European under-21 Championships against Germany on Sunday.

Cairns scored both of Scotland’s goals in the 2-2 draw which stunned the European giants and gave Scotland a flying start in San Sebastian.

In only his third competitive game at this level, the young Kelburne drag-flick specialist stepped up to convert two first-half penalty corners to give Scotland a 2-0 lead by half-time.

The Germans hit the crossbar twice in the first five minutes of the game, but the Scots might even have won, with Kenny Bain missing two chances just before half-time, the first going inches wide from a reverse stick, the second an uncharacteristically weak shot in front of goal.

As it was, the second half saw Germany gradually claw their way back from penalty corners in the final quarter, though Ross Stott also saved one on the line. Cairns had a chance to be the ultimate hero three minutes from time, but his last drag-flick effort was saved by the German keeper.

Manager Tom Johnston admitted: "We’d have been happy if offered a 2-2 draw before the game began; but it was a fantastic start, with good composure all round, that showed we can match the best teams in Europe."

Meanwhile Scotland’s U21 women scraped a 2-1 win over hosts Czech Republic, newly-promoted from the third tier of European competition. Scotland’s goals both came from direct strikes by Becky Merchant at penalty corners in the first half.

"We were only functioning at 60%," admitted coach Dave Stott. “We did the job and won the three points on offer, and we must now make the most of our remaining games."

The women play Ukraine today at 15:00 and Russia on Wednesday also at 15:00, intent on winning the Trophy competition outright.  The men also play again tonight at 19:15 against Belgium, who won their first pool match against Poland by 4-3.