Tommy Allan, who plays his club rugby in South Africa with Western Province, slotted two penalties for the Scots while the misfiring boot of Henry Slade added one penalty and one conversion.

After taking last year’s title on points difference England were hoping to start of their 2013 campaign in style with nearly 5,000 present in Devon but conditions did not make it easy for them.

And Harlequins No.8 Clifford admitted afterwards that the result, rather than the performance, ahead of this weekend’s grudge clash with Ireland Under-20s, their conquerors in the IRB Junior World Championships last year.

“We didn’t play as well as we can and that’s a credit to Scotland,” he said.

“The pitch began to cut up and it wasn’t easy to play the quick rugby we know that we can.

“But we’re happy with the win and it gives us something to build on.”