We wanted the win for all the fans forced to watch at home

Former Howe of Fife man Ritchie, who grew up in Strathkinnes, put in a man-of-the-match performance as the Scots saw off the Welsh 10-14 in Llanelli to lift the Doddie Weir Cup on the concluding weekend of the coronavirus delayed Six Nations.

The behind-closed doors win was Scotland’s first in Wales in the tournament since 2002.

It now sets the country up for the forthcoming Autumn Nations Cup.

The Scots kick off their campaign away to Italy on November 14 before taking on France and Fiji in the one-off eight-team tournament.

Speaking post match to the BBC, Ritchie said: “We have been waiting a long time to get this game (versus Wales) played.

“We were all desperate to get back out on the field and finish the Six Nations off, so, for us, we just talked about trying to be as physical as we can.

“Obviously, we thought the weather would be a bit worse so we were preparing for that all week, so we knew it was going to have to be a big defensive performance.

“I think that was probably the difference and the fact we could keep them down in their half.

“It was easier in the second half - the boys controlled the game a lot better in the second half.”

Scotland’s scorers were Finn Russell with a penalty, Adam Hastings with a penalty, Stuart McInally with a try and Stuart Hogg with another penalty which proved to be the last kick of the game.

The Welsh points came through Rhys Carre, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend was swift to heap praise on the north east Fife player, saying: “He (Ritchie) showed his all-round game.

“He took a brilliant line in attack, had at least one jackal, some strong carries and tackles, and was a good lineout option.”

Attention now turns to the up-coming autumn internationals.

The Scots are in terrific form and Ritchie is delighted to be part of a squad which has such positive momentum behind it.

“It’s such a close-knit group of boys and, especially with everything that’s going on at the moment, I think we are really privileged to be where we are, and to be in a position to get out and do what we love and play together and represent Scotland,” he said.

“That’s who we did it for - everybody back home who is watching.”