Biggar claim U18 Girls’ Schools’ Cup in close contest with Auchterarder

Biggar High School claimed a 20-14 victory over The Community School of Auchterarder to lift the U18 Girls’ Schools’ Cup following an impressive display of free-flowing rugby at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday evening.The initial stages witnessed both sides creating try-scoring opportunities with defensive efforts from their respective forward packs preventing early momentum for either school.However, after 17 minutes, it was Biggar who secured the first try of the match following solid groundwork in Auchterarder’s 22, centre Sarah Denholm gliding past the defence to touch down right of the posts.Auchterarder wasted no time in providing a response to Biggar’s lead and it was the school’s impressive flanker Beth Streets who collected on the 22 metre line to show power and pace for a run in try come the 20-minute mark.Out-half Dominica Radzicki added the conversion with ease to put Auchterarder in front for the first time in the match.A noticeable break from Feebi Robinson lead to another try-scoring opportunity for Biggar, and with the winger brought down the ball was recycled, passed through the hands, and spun out to front-row Abi Bantock for five points.Another try before half-time, courtesy of Abbie Baillie for Biggar, left Auchterarder with all of the work still left to do after the interval.Half-time: Biggar High School 15-7 The Community School of AuchterarderIn the second-half, Auchterarder gained early momentum through some impressive play from captain Erin Sinclair and wing Vicky Goodwin, while Streets continued to probe the Biggar defence and eventually found the line in the 57th minute.The open-side bagged her second try of the match before teammate Radzicki added the extras to record an impressive day with the boot.Minutes later, Biggar found themselves metres from the line as forward and back interchanges resulted in flanker Emily Armstrong crashing over left of the posts in the 61st minute.Both sides continued to give their all in the closing stages, as Auchterarder looked dangerous on the break while Biggar’s defence stood tall to see out victory.Full-time: Biggar High School 20-14 The Community School of AuchterarderPlayer of the Match: Beth Streets (Auchterarder) Scottish Rugby Girls’ Schools’ Cup U18 FinalBiggar High School: Kim Laird; Feebi Robinson, Rachel Hill, Sarah Denholm, Sharee Marshall; Amy Watkins, Ellie Court; Megan McCarry, Lauren Findlay, Abi Bantock, Erin Robertson, Erica Steele, Julia Bell, Emily Armstrong, Abbie Baillie. Replacements: Erica Hughes.The Community School of Auchterarder: Gillian Dobbins; Caitlin Steptoe, Kirsty Rattray, Alex Boyne, Vicky Goodwin; Dominica Radzicki; Erin Sinclair CAPTAIN, Pamela Ramage, Jasmine MacEwen V.CAPTAIN, Rachel Webster, Lauren Gellatly, Esther Linn, Bethany Wallace, Beth Streets, Caitlin McLaren. Replacements: Alice Czernia, Ellie Williams, Katie McNaughton, Hannah Courcha, Kelly Anne McNamara, Maddie Low, Roma Fraser. Scottish Rugby Girls’ Cup Finals RESULTSU18 Cup: Biggar High School 20-14 The Community School of AuchterarderU18 Shield: East Lothian Schools 43-25 Balfron High SchoolU15 Cup: Shawlands Academy 17-15 Carrick AcademyU15 Shield: Liberton High School/Royal High School 42-15 Auchinleck Academy