Boys Schools Cup Finals Preview

The first kick-off gets underway at 10.30am, building towards the U18 Schools Cup Final, which will bring the curtain down on the event in the main bowl at 5.45pm.

U18 Schools Bowl Final: Morrison’s Academy/Crieff & Strathearn v St Columba’s (Kilmacolm) – Pitch 1 (kick-off 10.30am)

Saturday’s action kicks off on Pitch 1 with the U18 Schools Bowl Final as Morrison’s Academy / Crieff & Strathearn take on St Columba’s (Kilmacolm) on Pitch 1.

There was no stopping Morrison’s Academy / Crieff & Strathearn in the semi-final as the side convincingly claimed a 28-62 final score against Trinity Academy, while it was a closer affair for St Columba’s (Kilmacolm) as they clinched a 10-3 victory against Strathendrick/Balfron HS.

St Columba’s captain, Max Potter, said: “I’m really excited that we have another massive opportunity to prove ourselves as a team once again at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this year. I’m extremely proud of how hard the team has worked through several ups and downs this season, as we have persevered and become one step away from our main goal. Winning the bowl for the second time in a row would mean everything to not just the team, but also our school and community. I look forward for us to take on the challenge that Morrison’s Academy will give us in the final.”

Morrison’s Academy captain, Ruaraidh Hutchinson, spoke about how much the side are relishing the chance of playing in the final, saying: “The boys are absolutely buzzing to make it to the final, we said at the start of the season this is where we wanted to be and for the group to come together and achieve this gives us a real sense of pride.

“The season has been filled with highs and lows and has been made challenging at times due to injuries and other things, this forced the group to really pull together, to go out and win it would mean so much to the squad and coaching staff, and for the U16s to make the final as well should make it a great day for all involved.”

U16 Schools Plate Final: St Leonards Madras Blues v St Aloysius’ College – Hive Stadium (kick-off 11.30am)

This year’s U16 Schools Plate Final will be contested between St Leonards Madras Blues and St Aloysius’ College.

St Leonards Madras will be buoyed by recent performances ahead of the final following a 31-7 victory against Howe of Fife / Bell Baxter High School in the semi-final stage, and a 50-0 win against The Royal High School in the quarter-finals.

St Aloysius’ College’s route to the final included a solid 31-14 win against Strathallan School and a 24-14 victory against Glasgow rivals, Hutchesons’ Grammar School.

St Leonards Madras captain, Gregor Steven, said: “It means so much to me to be the Captain of the U16 St Leonards Madras Blues. What an experience it has been for us to make it this far in the competition against strong opponents. We have worked really hard for this and we have played really high levels of rugby. We are so excited to be playing at The Hive and whatever the outcome, we will all be proud of what we have achieved as a team.”

Captain of St Aloysius’ College, David Broadley, added: “We’ve worked very hard all season to get to this stage. As a team we believe that our performances have improved each round and hopefully we can follow that trajectory into the final. A special mention to Gianluca, who sustained an injury in the last round, and his contribution has helped us to get here today.”

U18 Schools Shield Final: Robert Gordon’s College v Dollar Academy – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kick-off 11.30am)

The second U18 fixture of the day sees Robert Gordon’s College take on Dollar Academy in the U18 Schools Shield Final.

Robert Gordon’s College will look to build on their recent positive form, having only conceded ten points in the knockout stages, following a 5-60 win against Linlithgow Academy and a 69-5 victory against North Berwick High School.

Dollar Academy enjoyed a high-scoring match against Dunbar/Haddington when they secured a 69-19 win and a position in the semi-finals. The side were able to claim their final spot by winning 41-21 against Hutchesons’ Grammar School.

Robert Gordon’s College captain, James Roberts, said: “We are all super excited to have reached the Shield final and have the once in a lifetime opportunity to play at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. It is a culmination of our hard work throughout the season and I couldn’t be prouder of how far we have come as a group.

“A special thank you is owed to the coaches, parents and schoolmates who will all travel to Murrayfield to lend their support which has been unmatched throughout the season. After playing last year in the Plate final at Hive Stadium we know how good a win can feel on Finals day and we hope to carve our names onto the Shield and make some modern history for Robert Gordon’s College.”

Cameron Hynd, captain of Dollar Academy, said: “It’s been an incredible journey for us. The group has stuck together through everything and we’ve really worked hard in the run up, having some good wins over Dunbar and Hutchesons. We’ve grown a lot and push each other hard every week to earn our place in the final. We set the goal of getting to Murrayfield at the beginning of the season, so to get here is a big credit to everyone.

“Most of us have played together for around eight years. It feels like we are more than just a group of boys and a win would be a big reward for all the effort that’s gone in throughout the years and this season.”

U16 Schools Shield Final: The Edinburgh Academy v Loretto School – Hive Stadium (kick-off 1.30pm)

The first game of the afternoon sees Edinburgh Academy face Loretto School as they battle for the U16 Schools Shield.

A confident series of performances in the knock-out stages from Edinburgh Academy saw the side claim a 50-5 win against High School of Dundee and a 50-0 victory against North Berwick High School.

Meanwhile, Loretto secured their place in the final following a 12-27 win against Lathallan School in November.

Edinburgh Academy co-captain, Murray Snodgrass, said: “Looking forward to playing a strong Loretto side, at such a great venue like Hive Stadium. For many boys including myself this will be the biggest crowd they have ever played in front of, we are excited and nervous, but I hope that we can make the team and the school proud.

“The opposition have some great ball carriers and players so it will be key to shut them down early and prevent them from getting momentum. We will need to match their physicality on the day. We have worked hard so far this season, and we cannot wait for this special occasion.”

Fellow co-captain, Ben Hodge, continued: “Very excited to play at place like Hive Stadium, we are excited to play and do our best with the whole school watching and cheering us on, it will be a great atmosphere and experience for all the boys to play in a final.

“We know it will be a tough game against a good opposition, looking forward to a good time with mates playing the sport we all love, hopefully winning some silverware at Hive Stadium would be a great experience. Playing with a big crowd including the school, friends, family and relatives watching will be unreal and a great feeling.”

Loretto head coach, Alistair Thompson, said: “It’s very exciting to return to Scottish Gas Murrayfield with this group of players. The season began with a successful tour to Canada and they have remained a cohesive group since. The season has had its ups and downs but the aim is now to finish the season with a top performance at Hive Stadium against a much-fancied Edinburgh Academy team. We will be prepared and regardless of the result, I am very proud of this group of players.”

U16 Schools Bowl Final: Lomond & Helensburgh v Morrison’s Academy/Crieff & Strathearn – Pitch 1 (kick-off 1.30pm)

The U16s action continues on Pitch 1 with the U16 Schools Shield Final between Lomond & Helensburgh and Morrison’s Academy / Crieff & Strathearn.

Lomond & Helensburgh recorded a comprehensive 67-14 victory against Cumnock Rugby to secure their place in the final.

It was a closer contest in the other semi-final, as Morrison’s Academy / Crieff & Strathearn sealed a narrow 25-20 victory against Kelvinside Academy.

Speaking ahead of the final, Lomond & Helensburgh captain, Noah Chown, said: “Reaching the National final at Murrayfield is an incredible achievement for this group. The team has worked incredibly hard, and earning the chance to play on such a big stage means a lot. We’ll stay focused, prepare well, and give everything in the final.”

Morrison’s Academy / Crieff & Strathearn captain, Finlay Clayton, said: “It isn’t just a trophy, it’s the light at the end of the tunnel after months of training, broken bodies and long bus rides. It’s amazing that one game can achieve something so monumental for the school. For the players, it validates every tough session and every set back in the season to be able to know that in the end we have something to show for it.

“Through the season we’ve constantly improved our game, as we’ve been able to overcome obstacles and be able to finish strong in our conference by beating teams like Linlithgow and St Leonards in both our home and away fixtures. What we’ve learnt from our season is that hard work, discipline and being to work as a team is what it takes to win games.

U16 Schools Cup Final: Stewart’s Melville College v Merchiston Castle School – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kick-off 3.45pm)

The final U16 fixture of the day will see Edinburgh sides Stewart’s Melville College and Merchiston Castle School go head-to-head in the hope of lifting the U16 Schools Cup trophy.

Stewart’s Melville College, who were defeated by George Watson’s College in last year’s final, will be looking to make amends and claim the coveted prize. The side recorded a 24-10 win against Marr College to seal their place in the final once again.

Merchiston Castle were made to work hard for their final spot, as they edged out Glenalmond College by just four points in the semi-final.

Stewart’s Melville College captain, Ruaridh Fraser, said: “We’ve had this as our target all season. Each training session and game have been targeted towards our aim of winning the U16 Cup. We are looking forward to the next step of the journey we’ve been on.”

Meanwhile, Merchiston Castle School co-captains, Adam Walker and Calum Robertson also shared their excitement, saying: “Reaching the U16 Schools Cup final is a monumental achievement for our team, and we couldn’t be prouder to co-captain this special group.

“Since the start of our season in St Andrews, we have put in so much hard work and dedication. With the support of our incredible coaches, our school and community behind us, we are very grateful and excited for the amazing opportunity and hope for a good result.”

U18 Schools Plate Final: George Heriot’s School v Fettes College – Hive Stadium (kick-off 3.45pm)

Hive Stadium will be the home to the U18 Schools Plate contest which sees George Heriot’s School face Edinburgh rivals Fettes College.

George Heriot’s path to the final started with a 0-38 away win against Lasswade High School, before defeating Kelvinside Academy 15-7 at home.

In a nail-biting clash against Marr College, Fettes were able to narrowly seal their spot in the final after a 24-21 final score.

George Heriot’s captain, Michael Sherriff, gave an insight into the team’s ambitions ahead of the final, saying: “As a group we made it very clear at the beginning of this season that we wanted to win silverware and after a tough run in the conference and an early cup exit, the Plate final is the best opportunity we could’ve asked for to realise this goal.

“I’m very lucky and proud to captain what I think is the strongest and most together Heriot’s team I’ve been a part of in my final year at the school, and we are more than prepared to go out and deliver a winning performance at Hive Stadium. It would mean everything to this team and the senior rugby group to win the Plate and be able to repay the support of our coaches, parents and fellow pupils that has guided us through the season so far.”

Fettes College captain, George Muddiman, said: “The journey to the final has been hugely successful so far. After securing our first win of the season away at Madras, we fought through several tight conference fixtures before delivering a brave, gutsy performance against an exceptionally physical Marr College side in the semi-final.

“Having reached the U16 Shield final two years ago, going one step further this time would be a worthy reflection of our growth as a team. Although we have already faced Heriot’s this season, we know better than to be complacent and will approach the final with a fresh, focused mindset. The team has improved immensely over the past month, and earning the reward for our collective effort would mean everything.”

U18 Schools Cup Final: Strathallan School v George Watson’s College – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kick-off 5.45pm)

Strathallan School and George Watson’s College will go head-to-head at Scottish Gas Murrayfield to determine who will be lifting the U18 Schools Cup trophy, in what is sure to be a thrilling conclusion to the day.

Strathallan School booked their place in the final after an impressive 34-19 win against last year’s title winners, Stewart’s Melville College.

George Watson’s College’s semi-final clash against Merchiston Castle School concluded 15-38, with the capital side’s away victory against last year’s runners up cementing their place in the final.

Speaking ahead of the final, Strathallan captain, Kyle Borrie, said: “The last time Strathallan won the U18 cup was 2018 so it would be a huge honour to this group of players and the school to win the cup this year. We have had a very competitive season and it would be good to get one back on George Watson’s College after they pipped us in the conference game by six points.”

Head Coach, Iain Mcintosh, added: “It has been a great first season leading this group of young men, whilst 22 players will take the field in the final it has been a combined effort of 45 that have got us there.

“The entire squad have given a huge amount of time, effort and dedication over the past four months to reach the final, we aim to do our families and wider school community proud when we take the field and bring the U18 Cup back to Strathallan for the first since 2018.”

Meanwhile, George Watson’s College captain, Angus Robson, said: “We have worked hard this year to reach the final, training over summer with a tour to South Africa and then a largely successful conference block. The group of boys have such a strong bond having been at school together for so long and we all dreamt of representing the 1st XV on the big stage and we can’t wait to take the field.

“Strathallan are an excellent team and we know we will need to be at our very best to win. We proved we can reach those levels in our big semi final win vs Merchiston, it’s now about backing that up and doing ourselves, the school and our families proud on the big stage.”

George Watson’s Head Coach, Mike Ker, continued: “The final is the culmination of a lot of hard work both on and off the field and a real commitment from the boys to improve and challenge each other everyday.

“This group have largely (over 90%) been at school since Nursery and they have a strong bond together, so for their last competitive game to be on the main pitch at Scottish Gas Murrayfield is reward for all their sacrifices and dedication over the years.

“Our season has been strong with only one loss in the Conference, and our U18 Cup run has had some tough opponents including a strong Marr College in the first round, and then two local derbies in the quarters and semi-finals.

“Our win up at Merchiston was a performance we can be proud of, we played with great tempo and accuracy and that will be the challenge for the final also against a very physical Strathallan team who are full of excellent players. I’m sure it will be a great game of U18 rugby with the team that controls their emotions and is accurate in the key moments will come out on to.”