Edinburgh schools given kind draw in Under-18 Cup

Published on Monday 30 November 2009 23:13

EDINBURGH sides look set to dominate the penultimate stage of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-18 Cup this season after the quarter-final draw dealt a kind hand to the capital contenders.

"The stronger teams have been kept apart," noted Andrew Ker, whose George Watson's College team is one of four Edinburgh schools being tipped for the ultimate accolade.

Watson's confirmed their co-favourite status with a 29-11 fifth-round away win over Dollar Academy to book their place in the last eight. The Myreside team had the game won after 20 minutes when they led 17-0.

"We gifted Watson's the first 20 minutes. Basically the boys just froze in that period. But there was no doubt that Watson's deserved to win," said Dollar coach Steve Newton.

Prop Chris Scott grabbed a hat-trick for Watson's, their other tries coming from openside flanker Malcolm Peacock and full-back Scott McKean.

Stand-off Scott Mullins kicked two conversion goals. For Dollar, their forward pack claimed a combined score while full-back Jamie Urquhart kicked two penalty goals.

Watson's now face a trip to play either Robert Gordon's College or Bell-Baxter High School, who meet tomorrow at Countesswells in the postponed fifth-round tie.

Also in action tomorrow are Merchiston, who face Glasgow Academy with the winners then facing Loretto, whose return to strength after a few dismal seasons was confirmed with a fifth-round victory over Hutchesons' Grammar School.

Another fifth-round tie to be played tomorrow is at Goldenacre, where George Heriot's School take on Galashiels Academy, the prize for the winner an away tie against last season's runners-up, Stewart's-Melville College – another of the Edinburgh schools being tipped for Cup honours.

"We're expecting a tough game from Galashiels Academy," said Heriot's coach Matt Mallinson, adding : "I'd be delighted if we made it to the quarters for what would be a third successive year, especially as this is a young side with 13 of the team only in fifth year."

The remaining fifth-round tie is between Dundee High School and Marr College, which goes ahead today at Mayfield.

Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-18 Cup quarter-final draw: Stewart's-Melville College v (George Heriot's School or Galashiels Academy), (Dundee High School or Marr College) v Edinburgh Academy, Loretto v (Merchiston or Glasgow Academy), (Robert Gordon's College or Bell-Baxter High School) v George Watson's College.

Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-15 Cup quarter-final draw: George Heriot's School v Stewart's-Melville College, Edinburgh Academy v (North Berwick High School or Glasgow High School), Hutchesons' Grammar School v Marr College, Robert Gordon's College v George Watson's College.