Heriot’s Blues win Tennent’s National 1

Two tries from Craig Robertson and one try each from Lewis Govenlock and Callum Anderson secured Heriot’s their bonus point and sequential league win and promotion into the Tennent’s Premiership next season before half-time where the score was settled at 0-31.

Cartha did however bounce back in the second half with tries from Mark Connelly, Alex Geddes, David McCartney and two successful conversions from Wayne Burrows.

Innes Hill and John Semple also added scores for the Blues in the second half, and the full-time score was closed at 19-48.

Blues’ Head Coach Phil Smith was thrilled with the outcome, saying: “It was an absolutely outstanding and historic day for the whole club. After the recent success of the 2XV [who won the Tennent’s East Reserve Division 1], we were determined to back up their success, which we are delighted to have done. The whole group has worked hard for almost 10 months and got what they richly deserve.”

Graham Wilson, Captain of Heriot’s Blues added: “The boys are absolutely delighted! It has been a long season in an extremely competitive league. Having lost three of our first four games it is a credit to the players, coaches, and support staff, that we then managed to win 17 out of the next 18 and earn the league title. It’s a massive achievement for the club.”

The result this weekend means Heriot’s have made history as the first Scottish club with a Super6 franchise team and have both their men’s and women’s amateur sides in their respective Tennent’s Premiership leagues next season.

GHK and Stewart’s Melville will be promoted into the Tennent’s National 1 league next season after topping the Tennent’s National 2 division league table, with Cartha Queen’s Park now confirmed to join Boroughmuir in being relegated from the National 1 division.

Lasswade and Berwick will be promoted into Tennent’s National 2 after finishing in first and second place respectively in the National 3 division.

Royal High and Orkney will be promoted into National 3, with the final team for promotion to be confirmed following the conclusion of Tennent’s West Division 1.

Iain Duckworth (President) and Colin McCallum (Vice President) celebrating the promotion of Blues Men to the Tennent's Premiership @Scotlandteam. When asked, they said "Today is an historic day for Heriot's Rugby Club" pic.twitter.com/ZZfXcakzGS

— Heriot's Rugby Club (@HeriotsRugby) April 23, 2022