Loretto 14 - 15 Merchiston Castle: Merchiston thwart Loretto fightback in cup

Published on Thursday 10 December 2009 22:07

MERCHISTON Castle squeezed their way into the semi-finals of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-18 Cup with a late try to prevent what would have been an against-the-odds Loretto victory at Newfield yesterday.

In a tense and exciting match Merchiston dominated the beginning and end of the game but in the words of their coach, James Boyd, his side "went to sleep after opening up a 10-0 lead".

For their part, Loretto confirmed their resurgence this season with a passionate display that came close to an upset.

Merchiston looked in control after stand-off Sam Hildago-Clyne had kicked a penalty goal and then converted a well-worked try by winger Mark Jackson to lead 10-0 at half time.

Loretto, however, came back strongly after the break with a try by Thomas Cahn following up his own kick and then a touch-down from powerful centre Henri Van Wyk, both scores converted by centre Danny Owenson. Then in the final few minutes Merchiston hit back with intense pressure that produced the winning try from wing Guy Skivington-Jones.

Scorers: Loretto: Tries: Cahn, Van Wyk. Cons: Owenson (2). Merchiston: Tries: Jackson, Skivington-Jones. Con: Hildago-Clyne. Pen: Hildago Clyne.

Loretto: R Hook; H Worsley, H Van Wyk, G Wilson, A Wilson; T Cahn, D Owenson; T Hutchison, H Maritz, L Galloway, H Fisher, T Reisch, C Warnock, J Perriam, A Sharp. Subs used: R Forrest

Merchiston: H Clark; G Skivington-Jones, M Paterson, J Nutton, M Jackson; S Hidalgo-Clyne, M Watson; G Wilson, D Muir, M Roger, D Morrow, J Jones, P Baker, A White, D Watt. Subs used: F Donaldson, D Duff

Referee: L Gibson