The Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup under-18s final takes place at Murrayfield this Saturday, 26 November 2011. The game is an all capital affair with George Watson’s College set to take on Edinburgh Academy.
Watson’s head coach Ally Donaldson feels that his side are the underdogs going into the game but is confident they can spring a surprise. Donaldson said:- “Edinburgh Academy have been the form team and everyone’s favourites to win the trophy; their results have backed this up. But none of that matters. It’s a cup final, and we intend to come in and give it our best shot.”
The school has suffered a number of near misses in the competition in recent seasons and Donaldson is keen that his players soak up the atmosphere. Donaldson continued:- “We have lost a lot of semi finals in the last few years so to make a final is brilliant and hopefully the boys can relax and can enjoy the whole week and the build up to Saturday.
“We are emphasising that the players enjoy the whole occasion of playing in a cup final at Murrayfield and make the most of it and get everything they can out of it.”
Donaldson’s counterpart at Edinburgh Academy, Mark Appleson, who was formerly the Merchiston coach, is also determined that his squad enjoy the occasion. He puts much of their success down to a strong team spirit. Appleson commented:- “We have an all-round strong team that have played together from P7 up. They know each others’ strengths and weaknesses, they are just a bunch of really, really good guys who enjoy playing together.”
Edinburgh Academy have enjoyed considerable support from former pupils throughout their run in the competition. Most notably Edinburgh and Scotland scrum-half, Mike Blair ,who was in attendance at the semi-final victory over Merchiston Castle. It appears that Blair may have another motivational suprise up his sleeve. Appleson said:- “Mike is apparently putting together a video of the seven past Edinburgh Academy boys who have made it to full international level to send the team.”
Whatever the outcome on Saturday the trophy will be staying in Edinburgh.
The game kicks off at 6pm and is preceded by the under-16s final between George Watson’s and Dollar Academy at 4pm. Entry is free.
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