Earlston line-up for national final
Published 22 Feb 2012 09:28
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THE Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Plate competition will come to a climax tonight (Wednesday 22 February) at the home of Scottish Rugby as the under-16 and under-18 finals are played on the Murrayfield artificial pitch at 5pm and 6.30pm respectively.
Carrick Academy were the first team to qualify for the under-18 competition after beating Linlithgow Academy, 17-10. The team are the first in the school's history to reach the national boys' final. They will take-on Earlston High School who beat Madras College, 23-7.
Gordon Brown, a modern studies teacher responsible for rugby at Carrick Academy said: "School rugby at Carrick was started up again in 2003 after six years where rugby was not played as it had been in the 1980s and 1990s.
"It goes without saying that we're absolutely delighted to get to the Final. For a small state school of just over 500 pupils, to reach this stage is an outstanding achievement and we are lucky to have such a committed group of senior boys who have given up so much to achieve this.
"As a school we have never reached a national final of a boys' sporting event. This side reached the Ayrshire Cup Final last season but this is by far our greatest ever achievement as a rugby section.
"I can't fault the players' commitment, work ethic and ability and they are a credit to their parents, local community and the coaching team. To defeat schools like St Columba's, Linlithgow, Lomond and Peebles is testament to that.
"We have now filled six supporters' buses with a further two on standby for tomorrow. Members of staff have been producing flags for the final and the art department have produced banners. We have ordered supporters' scarves and hats for the event and have also received financial support from our Parent Council who have purchased Cup Final T-shirts for the side and also Asda in Ayr have sponsored the boys with playing kit."
In the younger age-group it's an all-Border affair with Jedburgh Grammar School going head-to-head with Peebles High School, for their first chance at the silverware in recent years.
The Schools saw off The Gordon Schools and Linlithgow Academy en route to the final, winning 57-0 and 22-0 respectively.
Scottish Rugby's head of community rugby, Colin Thomson, said: "We wish all four Plate finalists the best of luck as they prepare to meet at Murrayfield tomorrow.
As well as the action on the pitch tomorrow night, the Heineken Cup is set to make an appearance. If you get down early to Wednesday's matches you will be in with a chance of getting your picture with the trophy which will be on display from 4.20pm for half an hour.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 22 Feb 12
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