Players and coaches hail record-breaking Silver Saturday

Today’s inaugural Silver Saturday broke records as over 25,000 supporters enjoyed a showcase of the best of Scotland’s club and professional rugby.

The day combined six BT Cup Finals Day matches with the deciding leg of the 1872 Cup between Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors for the first time, with many of the 25,353 crowd turning out earlier in the day to take in the matches on offer at the inaugural event.

The previous record for an 1872 Cup match was set earlier this season, in December, when 23,833 cheered on Scotland’s pro sides.

Scottish Rugby Chief Operating Officer, Dominic McKay, said: “Silver Saturday has been a fantastic showcase of the best of Scottish rugby. We’ve had seven great games here at BT Murrayfield with more than 25,000 supporters turning out – a record for the 1872 Cup and a great start to this combined event.

“This year presented a unique opportunity in some respects as we expanded the Guinness PRO14 to include two South African sides, which created three 1872 Cup derbies, the third of which we used to connect all levels of the domestic club game with the top level of the pro game.

“It’s the first time that we’ve been able to bring together the amateur and professional levels of the game in this way and we were pleased to see the Scottish rugby public shared out excitement about it.

“It’s been a great celebration of Scottish rugby and that’s something we’re very proud of.”

Edinburgh Rugby lifted the 1872 Cup trophy with a 24-19 victory over city rivals Glasgow Warriors in a thrilling series decider, with both sides now progressing to the Guinness PRO14 Play-Off Final Series.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach, Richard Cockerill, said: “It’s great to see a big vocal Edinburgh crowd turning out to support their club. To win the 1872 Cup and see our fans stay back to congratulate the team was fantastic and it capped off a cracker of a day for ourselves and the clubs that played earlier in the afternoon.”

Melrose sealed a league and cup double – a feat they last achieved in 1997 – with a victory over Stirling County in the BT Cup Final (12-45).

Winger and BT Cup Final player-of-the-match, Ross McCann, said: “It’s been a great day. It’s amazing to score at BT Murrayfield in front of such a big crowd and it’s been a special day with the amount of people here as well.”

Hillhead Jordanhill retained their title in the Sarah Beaney Cup as they secured a comfortable victory over Watsonians (68-12).

Coach, Morgan Martin, said: “It’s been a fantastic day. I think the addition of the professional game at the end of the day has boosted the crowd.

“It’s great that so many spectators, friends and families from local clubs have come along. I think it shows the importance and the respect for the club game being a part of such a great showcase of rugby.

Ross Sutherland opened the day’s proceedings with a win in the BT Bowl Final against Wigtownshire (12-3).

Oban Lorne powered their way to glory in the BT Women’s Bowl on the back pitches of BT Murrayfield Stadium with an impressive 45-5 win over Garioch.

In the BT Women’s Plate final, Glasgow University were crowned winners after securing victory against Greenock Wanderers (34-17).

Carrick won their third consecutive title win in the BT Men’s Shield after overpowering Hawick Harlequins (39-19).