U18 Schools Cup Final Preview: Stewart’s Melville v George Watsons

The U18 Schools Cup Final is always an exciting event for any aspiring rugby player. 2019 will be no different, as Stewart’s Melville College will take on George Watson’s College in this year’s Boys Schools Cup show-piece finale.

Stewart’s Melville’s campaign started with an away win over Glenalmond College 7-35, before edging out Dollar Academy 21-26 at the quarter-final stage, booking their place in the final with a convincing 50-0 win over Marr College.

On reaching the final, Stewart’s Melville captain Duncan Hood said: “Preparations are going well, we’re just using each session to do something different, all in, it’s been pretty good.

“It’s mainly excitement, obviously a bit of nerves, it’s a great opportunity for the boys. We were in the U16 final a few years ago so half the squad have already experienced BT Murrayfield; they’re desperate to get out there and do it again.

“We’ve played Watson’s once this season and we know they’re a strong team. We’re expecting a big effort from their forward pack and it could well be a bit of an arm-wrestle.”

Ewan Henderson, who captains Gerorge Watson’s College, added: “Our preparations have been going really well, we’ve just been trying to prepare as if it was a normal game although we all know it’s a really special occasion and will be amazing to lead out this team with our supporters cheering us on.

Winning would be incredible and reward for all the hard work this group has put in for years. It would also be brilliant for our parents and the whole GWC community.”

“It would be great to finish off our school career and capitalise on our recent success by winning the final.”

U16 Schools Cup Final Preview: Dollar v Merchiston

This year’s U16 Schools Cup Final will be contested by two schools with a rich rugby history. Dollar Academy and Merchiston Castle School will go toe-to-toe at BT Murrayfield to determine who will be lifting the U16 trophy.

Merchiston go into today’s final having only conceded seven points on their way to the final as they defeated George Watsons in a closely contested semi-final.

Dollar were also made to work hard for their final berth, as they edged out Stewart’s Melville by two points after overcoming Fettes in the last eight.

Ahead of the final, Dollar captain Alastair Licence said: “Things are going well, we’ve been out training most days and we know what to work on, we’ve played them already this year and the coaches have been working hard to get us into shape.

“This is everyone in the team’s first time playing at BT Murrayfield so we’ll have to make sure it’s not too overwhelming. We have a number of busses leaving from the school, so it should be a good crowd.

“I think to lift the cup at BT Murrayfield is everyone’s dream at this age, especially for me as captain, it would just be unreal – it’s a great team I’ve got, so credit to them.”

Merchiston captain Rudi Brown said: “This season we have set ourselves the goal of winning the U16 Schools Cup and therefore the squad have been training exceptionally hard – especially having progressed to this year’s final against Dollar Academy. Training has been very positive and there is a great buzz around the team.

“I think I will feel extremely excited to walk out onto the famous pitch at BT Murrayfield in front of so many spectators.

“It would mean everything to me to lift the cup at the end of the evening – it has been a goal for our team for a very long time now and we would love to make our school proud.”

Boys Schools Cup Finals Day 2019

All matches at Oriam will be on the back pitches.