Rugby Round up
Brewin-Dolphin Schools Cup Finals
Thursday night at BT Murrayfield saw the conclusion the the B-D Schools Cups for U16 and U18 Boys. As this was, probably, the first time – and, probably the last time – most of those involved would be playing on the big pitch, the players involved came out with all guns blazing, intent on enjoying the experience and puting up a good performance for the supporters. Speaking of which, at over 5,000 it was a bigger, and more enthusiastic, crowd then Edinburgh usually get.
The first match on the pitch was the U16 match between Dollar Academy and Merchiston Castle School. Dollar came out of the traps firing on all cylinders are were soon into an early lead and, with three first half tries to Merchiston’s one, lead 19-7 at half time.
However, whatever it was that Merchiston had in their half time drinks caused a sea-change in their game and they dominated much of the half, scoring 13 unanswered points to take the lead going into the final 10 minutes. Dollar then scored their fourth try with eight minutes left to retake the lead, but the game wasn’t over yet. With the clock showing 70 minutes – full time for the boys – Merchiston pinned Dollar back near their try line and were rewarded after 3-4 minutes of attacking – and, it has to be said, a fantastic defensive effort from Dollar – with the winning try with a 25-24 score line.
The U18 match followed this one, but could it follow the drama? With George Watson’s College and Merchiston Castle School lining up for the start, it was a much anticipated game. Despite dominating much of the play, Watson’s were 5-3 down at the break, following their 35th second penalty and a Merchiston try.
The second half carried on as the first, with a dominant Watson’s team, keeping Merchiston at arm’s length and scoring three tries and a penalty to take a 23-3 lead into the final five minutes. Once again, a Merchiston team left it late to turn up the wick and their two tries left them within a score of taking the match. But, in spite of dogged resistance to Watson’s defence, they couldn’t get over halfway from the 79th minute restart and the match finished 23-17 to Watson’s for their third successive Cup victory.
Edinburgh Rugby
Playing away this weekend in Italy, Edinburgh had high hopes of maintaining their form to beat Zebre in Parma. However, it wasn’t to be and, leading 10-6 in the final 20 minutes, Edinburgh leaked two tries to lose the match – and their first in five – 18-10.
Next up for the Edinburgh squad is London Welsh in the European Challenge Cup on Sunday (K/O 2:00pm, 7th Dec.) at BT Murrayfield. Edinburgh currently top their group with two wins from their two outings against French opposition and, given Welsh’s woeful record this season, should make it three as the two French sides vie to knock each other out of the competition.
Club Rugby
BT Premiership
It was back to BT League action at the weekend with all four teams playing in the capital – Accies were at ‘Muir – and three coming home with the points. Boroughmuir beat Edinburgh Accies 22-16 at the bottom of the table clash at Meggetland, Currie saw off a Borders’ challenge from Gala to the tune of 21-10 and Heriots beat another Borders’ side, Hawick, 29-15 at Goldenacre.
All this leaves Heriots one place nearer the top in second with 41 points and Currie in sixth with 28. Boroughmuir and Edinburgh Accies still prop up the table in ninth and tenth places with 19 and 14 points respectively.
BT National League, Div. 1
Stewarts-Melville beat Peebles 34-18 at Inverleith on Saturday, while Watsonian’s travelled to up to Aberdeen Grammar to suffer a 25-16 defeat at the hands of the North-east side.
Stew-Mel are still third in the table with 38 points and Watsonians in fourth but maintain their one-point gap with 37.
