National Youth Cup Finals 2025

Stewartry managed to hold onto an early lead to win the Girls U16 Shield, despite a strong come back from Highland RFC.

The opening five minutes on the back pitches at Murrayfield was fairly even with both teams easing into the match, buoyed on by the support on the sidelines.

Stewartry’s wing, Olivia Dawson, was the first to make a break through the defensive line, making crucial yards. She was pulled into touch, but this gave the Dumfries and Galloway team the momentum they needed.

After a second break from Dawson, Stewartry managed to maintain their possession and were awarded their first try. With support from the full team, Zara Williamson was first to score after multiple phases. She added the extras with a successful conversion.

Encouraged after their opening score, a second try was quickly added to the board from Stewartry’s Lucy Barbour, with a successful conversion from Williamson.

Highland RFC were not making it easy for Stewartry. Another break from winger Dawson was pulled into touch by Highland’s Lacii Brown.

It wasn’t long until Highland showed what they could do with an offload from Brown onto Yvie Macivor, who showed incredible pace with a sprint from halfway to score under the posts. She added the extras.

Two quick tries from Stewartry followed, the first from Ruby Davies and the second came from a successful break from Dawson. A fantastic conversion from Williamson, as the wind picked up.

Williamson continued to rack up the points with her own try and successful conversion as the half-time break approached.

Highland showed great strength in possession from their forwards pack prior to the whistle.

HALF-TIME: Highland RFC 7 – 33 Stewartry RFC

Highland came back dominating after the break. After some strong possession, an opening second half try came when Lacii Brown scored under the posts followed by a successful conversion from Macivor.

Stewartry faught back with a break from Williamson who offloaded to Yvie Dunlop, who weaved her way through the defensive line and passed to Lucy Patterson to finish it off. With the wind picking up, conversions were becoming difficult.

The Highlands pack again showed their strength with a couple of breaks from their captain, Caitlin Rose. One leading to a try from Isla Caddell, with an unsuccessful conversion.

Fantastic break from Brown to score again for Highland RFC. Williamson was unsuccessful with the kick in the wind.

Highland dominated this second half. Showing a full team effort with the backs supporting the tremendous effort from their forwards. Highland’s captain Rose went over under the posts for her second try and Macivor was successful with conversion.

The final moments were tense with Highlands comeback fully in force but Stewartry held their ground and managed to maintain their early lead as the final whistle blew.

FULL-TIME: Highland RFC 31-38 Stewartry RFC.

Player of the Match: Zara Williamson (Stewartry RFC)

Stirling County claimed the U18 Boys Shield at Hive Stadium after a dominate first-half performance saw the side secure an early lead, eventually resulting in a 12-29 win against Peebles.

It was a bright start for Stirling County, as hooker Archie Scott dotted down on the line on the back of a strong driving maul (0-5).

Moments later, Scott was back on the scoreboard after crashing down on the line following another period of sustained pressure (0-10).

With momentum building, Stirling were soon on the attack again and were able to capitalise when Mark Montgomery cruised over the line, with Xander Sneddon adding the extras (0-17).

Stirling County were able to keep the scoreboard ticking as some quick hands gave winger Riley Beavan-Whitty an opportunity to saunter over into the corner (0-22).

Montgomery was able to grab his second try shortly afterwards as the winger burst down the touchline to score, with Sneddon kicking an impressive conversion through the posts from the touchline (0-29).

HALF-TIME: Peebles 0-29 Stirling County

After the interval, Peebles were able to launch an attack and were able to grab their first points through Toru Keen, with captain Liam Irvine adding the extras (07-29).

Peebles were able to retain possession and territory for larger parts of the second-half but struggled to get through the Stirling County defence.

The Borders’ side were able to apply further pressure to Stirling County who were down to 14 players after a yellow card.

In the final moments on the match, Peebles were unwavering in their determination, and it paid rewards when Robert Kerr dotted down on the line (12-29).

FULL-TIME: Peebles 12-29 Stirling County

Player of the Match: Mark Montgomery (Stirling County)

Melrose ran in three tries to take home the coveted U16 Boys Youth Cup title edging out Stirling County RFC 22-15 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.

After an intense contest between two evenly matched sides, it was Melrose who held their nerve and delivered a powerful performance across the full 70 minutes.

Melrose threatened within the first five minutes but Stirling County’s forwards laid down an early marker with a strong defensive stand.

While both teams searched for an opening, Stirling County were first to get on the score board through the powerful Liam Baartman who forced his way over the line. (Melrose 0-5 Stirling County, 9 mins).

Finn Shand responded swiftly for Melrose when he found a neat gap to dot down in the corner. Captain Finlay Mitchell added the extra points to claim the lead. (Melrose 7-5 Stirling County, 16 mins).

Melrose continued to find space out wide and Euan Williams executed a blind pass to set Finn Shand up for his second, another brilliant finish in the corner. (Melrose 12-5 Stirling County, 27 mins).

Both sides were eager to add to the scoreboard before the break. Stirling County came close through Lochlan Dodds who chased a kick downfield, while Melrose looked to respond through Oscar Wilson who attempted to spark an attack down the opposite side.

Half time: Melrose 12-5 Stirling County.

Melrose showed their intention early on in the second half when Ross Miller powered his way over the try line for the third try of the encounter. (Melrose 17-5 Stirling County, 39 mins).

Eighthman Liam Baartman made an impressive break for Stirling County but cover defense from Euan Williams left them searching for more.

Despite the deficit, Stirling County continued to press. They managed to close the gap when captain Josh Olds capitalised on a massive overlap on the left side of the field to charge his way over the try line. (Melrose 17-10 Stirling County).

Stirling County executed their set piece to perfection when Liam Baartman scored off the lineout to get his second try for the day. A failed conversion made it a two-point game with just eight minutes to play. (Melrose 17-15 Stirling County, 61 mins).

Melrose hit back almost immediately through Finlay Brown who counter-rucked five metres from the try line to muscle his way over the line edge further ahead (Melrose 22-15 Stirling County, 63 mins).

With just seconds left on the clock, Stirling County held their composure and continued to test Melrose’s defense but Kai Telfer provided the decisive moment when he ripped the ball loose and kicked it straight into touch to seal the title for Melrose.

Full time: Melrose 22-15 Stirling County.

Player of the Match: Liam Baartman (Stirling County RFC)

Dundee got the scoring underway in the 8th minute. The backs were spreading the ball around nicely in the opening minutes, and it was on the right side that full-back Layla Melville broke the defensive line and scored. In blustery conditions, Sophie Mallison’s conversion was excellent. (7-0, 8 mins)

Two minutes later Dundee won a penalty on Stirling County’s 10m line, and the 40 metres needed to kick the three points was right on the edge of Mallison’s range, who got the ball over with an inch to spare. (10-0, 10 mins)
Another long-distance penalty attempt, this time in front of the posts but three metres outside the 10m line was taken on by Mallison, but this time the ball, though on line, came down short.
Stirling fought back with a good use of width of their own, though this time it was finished by a forward, Joss Mair finishing a sweeping right-to-left move. County had a conversion expert of their own in the wind at Hive, with captain Heather Wood slotting the extras. (10-7, 19 mins)

But Dundee were soon over for a third. Keira Bell’s carrying was proving powerful, and her half-break made space for Kloey Kempton to charge through. Though she was nearly stopped three metres short, she regained her footing and dived under the posts, and Mallison converted. (17-7, 25 mins)

Stirling soon brought the game with a score again. Mair made an initial 15-metre burst up the middle in the 22, and was felled just short. From the next phase it was Phoebe Forrest who forced her way over, and the excellent kicking from both teams continued as Wood added two more points. (17-14, 28 mins)

Half time: Dundee Rugby 17-14 Stirling County

Mair scored her second to give County the lead for the first time, but it was made by the work of Alana Herbert, who charged down the left and found an excellent over-the-top, one-handed offload to her second row teammate who ran round under the posts. Wood converted. (17-21, 40 mins)

But Dundee regained the lead with an excellent solo try from Lola Orr. The outside centre ran an excellent line through Dundee’s defence around 40 metres out, and stepped inside the last defender and dived under the sticks. Esme Hughes this time knocked over the conversion. (24-21, 49 mins)

Mair completed her hat-trick for Stirling in the 54th minute, wrestling her way over in the right corner to put County back again with six minutes to go. Wood continued the 100% success rate for conversions in the game. (24-28, 55 mins)

Dundee came 70 metres up the pitch with the final play, but Stirling’s defence recovered well and the jackal penalty just five metres from their try line secured the win.

Full time: Dundee Rugby 24-28 Stirling County

Player of the Match: Joss Mair (Stirling County)

In an entertaining U16 Boys Shield Final, Highland were able to hold-off a last gasp comeback from West of Scotland, securing a 29-37 win.

West of Scotland were first on the scoreboard as Ruairidh Broom was able to show off his pace as he sprinted over the line to put the first points of the board, with Rory Sinclair’s conversion attempt just going wide of the posts (5-0).

Highland retaliated as captain Cameron Hampton crashed over the line, with Murray Dillon adding the extras (5-7).

Momentum shifted again as Broom burst through the defence to score his second try and help retake the lead for West of Scotland, with Sinclair adding the extras (12-7).

Minutes later, Highland soon found a foothold again in the game and were able to close the gap with Murray Dillon slotting a penalty through the posts (12-10).

West of Scotland looked to be back on the move, however, a fantastic interception from Leighton Andrew saw the prop race down the pitch to score, with Dillon adding the extras (12-17).

With confidence building, Highland were eager to keep the scoreboard ticking and eventually extended their lead through Dylan Thorp who brushed through defence (12-22).

As the game approached half-time, Highland developed a wider lead as Finlay Inglis went over into the corner (12-27).

HALF-TIME: West of Scotland 12-27 Highland

With the second-half underway, West of Scotland came firing out of the blocks and were able to reduce the gap on the scoreboard as Broom rushed over the whitewash to seal a hat-trick for the centre (17-27).

Highland kept their composure and were able to enjoy another spell of possession. An initial break from captain Cameron Hampton saw the prop canter past the defence before the ball eventually found Leighton Andrew who grabbed his second try of the match (17-32).

Following another period of sustained pressure, Highland added to their tally as Daniel Gallagher cruised over the whitewash, with the conversion attempt hitting the post (17-37).

West of Scotland showed some fantastic resilience and put in a gusty display in the closing stages of the match, with the side capitalising through a score from Charlie Quinlivan and a successful conversion from Sinclair (24-37).

Sensing another opportunity, West of Scotland managed to edge closer to Highland on the scoreboard as captain Peter Mellor crossed the line (29-37).

As the game approached the full-time whistle, West of Scotland were still probing Highland’s defence, with Highland down to 14 players after a yellow card. Despite West of Scotland’s best efforts, Highland were able to hold on to their lead and secure the coveted U16 Boys Shield.

FULL-TIME: West of Scotland 29-37 Highland

Player of the Match: Cameron Thorp (Highland)

Stirling County put in a commanding performance to win the Girls U18 Shield Final. They worked seamlessly as a team with some standout individual performances, including a hat-trick from scrum half, Leah Sinclair.

Stirling showed dominance in the game from the start of the match, but Preston Lodge were strong in their defence with some great tackles, ensuring that Stirling had to work hard for each try.

Stirling’s first score came from scrum half Leah Sinclair who spotted a gap and with some power in her legs she eased her way over the line. The blustery conditions of the day meant conversions weren’t easy and the first attempt was unsuccessful.

They maintained their control with quick offloads to work through the phases and maintain momentum. A second try came from Eve Mackay and was successfully converted by Asha Doak.

Preston Lodge had some great moments within attack. They carried incredibly well but Stirling managed to hold their line and made it hard for them to break through.

In County attack, Preston Lodge showed perseverance in defence with some great turnovers and individual work rate. County however, managed to find the gaps and demonstrate how well drilled they were in their plays. The third try came from a great dummy from Nina Hausrath. They were unsuccessful in their conversion.

Another fantastic break from Keira Forrest 12 who ran a great line to get the fourth try for County. Successful conversion from Esme McLeod.

Stirling’s scrum half, Sinclair, showed some impressive speed as she broke through and sprinted under the posts for the fifth try. Doak added the extras.

Stirling’s breaks weren’t just from their backline. Number 8 Eve Mackay broke through hoping for her second try of the match, but Preston Lodge’s Bethan Kitchin chased her down to pull her into touch.

This led to another chance for Stirling’s Rebecca Wynne to crash through the defence to add to their points tally. Esme McLeod added the extras.

Teamwork from Stirling’s centre pairing led to another great opportunity. An offload from Stirling’s Forrest gave Emma Anderson the opportunity to add to the scoreboard. Successful conversion from Milina Ratu.

After a period of sustained pressure from Stirling, Leah Sinclair scored for her third try of the match with the following conversion unsuccessful.

With minutes left in the first half, there was a final score from Jasmine Haddow for Stirling.

As per competitions rules, the match ended at the 50-point scoreline. The match continued as a friendly, where Stirling maintained their dominance in the match, but Preston Lodge also gathered in a couple of tries themselves as things started to come together. Their spirit and perseverance from the forward pack persisted throughout the match with some good opportunities backs Rachael Knox and their captain, Erin Rowley.

FULL-TIME: Preston Lodge 0-53 Stirling County

Player of the Match: Leah Sinclair (Stirling County)

A dominant third-quarter from Biggar won them the Girls U18 Cup at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, despite a spirited fightback from Dunfermline at the end.

Dunfermline had opened the scoring inside five minutes. From in front of the posts Juliet Ramsay charged forward and towards the right corner, only to be felled a metre short, but in the next phase Isla Napier wrestled and got the ball down over the line. (0-5, 5 mins)

Biggar then levelled with an excellent individual score from Rose Scott, who tore up the left wing and stepped round the last defender before running round and under the posts. Emma Wyllie’s conversion gave Biggar the lead. (7-5, 20 mins)

Lucy Ronald’s pace was causing problems for Dunfermline, and she broke through the line on the right side, but the Fife outfit recovered well and won the jackal penalty deep in their 22.

But Biggar were not to be denied a minute later. Connie Sanderson engineered a 1v1 on the right wing, and when she was grabbed by the defender she brilliantly offloaded to Libby Cutherbertson to go over untouched. Wyllie converted for a second time. (14-5, 28 mins)

Dunfermline got themselves right back in it with three minutes left in the half. An initial interception in midfield got them to five metres short, and a minute later Daisy Smith fought off the Biggar defenders to make the remaining metre on the left. (14-10, 32 mins)

Half time: Biggar 14-10 Dunfermline

Biggar’s third try came just two minutes into the second half, as Neve Murray found some space on the right wing and raced into the corner. (19-10, 37 mins)

And Biggar were back over three minutes later, as Lucy Ronald broke out of two tackles and dived under the posts. Wyllie slotted the extras. (26-10, 40 mins)

Ronald scored her second try in the 46^th minute, reacting well to a half-break and collecting the offload before breaking a tackle and dotting down just left of the posts. Wyllie converted again. (33-10, 46 mins)

Sanderson then turned scoring having assisted a try earlier, stepping inside two defenders on the right and heading under the posts. (38-10, 51 mins)

It was then the turn of the forwards to do the damage, as Cate Leiper battled her way over from close range on the left. (43-10, 53 mins)

Another score came just a minute later. Biggar kicked over the top and though Dunfermline got back first, the counter ruck from Biggar was strong and Murray’s pace got her over the line once more. (48-10, 56 mins)

Dunfermline then got themselves a try of their own. On the counter attack after a steal at the ruck, Megan Laurie and Olivia Buchanan charged up the right wing, and when the attack was halted illegally Eilidh Rose took the quick tap penalty and reached the line. (48-15, 59 mins)

And Rose went over again, intercepting a pass on Biggar’s 10 and showing her speed to keep away from the retreating defence. (48-20, 64 mins)

The fightback continued from Dunfermline, as Laurie stepped round her opposite winger on the right flank and sprinted over from the halfway line. (48-25, 66 mins)

But the gap could be closed no further, with Biggar deservedly lifting the U18 Cup.

Full time: Biggar 48-25 Dunfermline

Player of the Match: Lucy Ronald (Biggar)

Boroughmuir secured the U18 Boys’ Cup at Murrayfield in a pulsating, end-to-end final against Ayr.

Though Ayr had the first big chance, being forced into touch just a metre short in the opening minute, it was Boroughmuir who scored first. On the left, Cameron Baird darted through two defenders before stepping inside the last man for an opportunistic try. Struan Wood converted. (7-0, 5 mins)

Ayr were soon level. Several strong carries got them close before Cameron McGarey spotted a ruck-side gap and sniped through. Ryan Hind added the extras. (7-7, 8 mins)

Max Rickis looked certain to score as he gathered an inch-perfect kick out to the left wing from Wood, but Hamish Good intervened with a vital tackle that dislodged the ball forward.

Ayr then took the lead, as Hamish Cornell broke up the blind side of a ruck on the right wing and kicked ahead, with Ben McKinlay winning the race to ground it. Hind’s conversion five metres from the touchline was excellent. (7-14, 26 mins)

It was then Boroughmuir’s turn to drag themselves back into it. A penalty was kicked into the right corner, and when the maul stopped a metre short Eliot Ibarra-Craig fought his way over the line. (12-14, 32 mins)

And the Edinburgh outfit went back in front with the last play of the half. Baird and Ciaran Geddes made half-breaks to get Boroughmuir on the front foot, and Rickis was not to be denied again as he stepped inside one defender and dragged another over the line. Wood’s conversion made it a five-point game at the break.

Half time: Boroughmuir 19-14 Ayr

Two minutes into the second half Boroughmuir got up to the line again as Baird made another excellent break, but a knock on brought the attack to an end.

But in the 43^rd minute they did get over again, and it was Baird again who went over from less than a metre out after Ayr had coughed up possession deep in their own 22 and the Meggetland side’s forwards had battled closer phase by phase. (24-14, 43 mins)

With five minutes left, Ayr were penalised for offside and Wood went for goal from just left of the posts around 30m out, but his kick missed just to the left.

But two minutes later the win was sealed. Kieran Finlayson and Matt Hasson combined to break up the left wing, and when the latter was hauled down a few metres short, the forwards went for the line and it was Tineyi Matenga who made the crucial metre. (29-14, 67 mins).

Full time: Boroughmuir 29-14 Ayr

Player of the Match: Eliot Ibarra-Craig (Boroughmuir)