Underdogs run riot in Royal High victory

It was a quality final played in good spirit with the Royal High, the supposed underdogs, eventually running out 4-0 victors

The first goal, in 28 minutes, was unfortunate for James Young High. Connel Gibson, the No 5, collided with his outrushing goalkeeper and the ball broke to Mario who was able to pop the ball into the unguarded net. Connel, badly dazed, had to go off the field.

Following the goal, the Edinburgh boys had a shot which rebounded from the bar. But the goal was just delayed with Mario’s second coming just before half time.

The James Young lads did their best to claw back the deficit in the second half, and they never gave up. In fact, they had two shots that crashed against the bar.

But the goals came from Royal High. Callum O’Neill made it 3-0 after ten minutes of the second half and then Gregor Jack completed the scoring some 17 minutes later.

Emma Helm, a physical education teacher, is the Royal High coach and was delighted with the squad’s effort. “They have been together for a long time,” she said. “It’s fantastic to finish by winning the Cup.”

For captain Aidan Quinn it was his final match for the school. “It’s been brilliant,” said the sixth-year pupil. “I’ve been in the team since first year and winning the Cup is just brilliant. It’s been so good.”

Aidan also plays for Currie Star, and his ambition is to continue with his football and secure a scholarship to the US.

In the Under-16 final, Ross High School was in rampant form and defeated Leith Academy 8-1. It was 1-1 at half-time, but the Tranent side ran riot in the second half.

Senior squads

Royal High School: Charlie Brice, Calum Brown, Joe Beaton, Cameron Paton, Gregor Jack, Ali McCann, Aidan Quinn (captain), Mathew McKenzie, Oran Hosey, Mario Falsone, Callum O’Neill, Ben Martin, Nathan McCulloch, Leo McNei, Ben Morrish.

James Young High School: Luke Williams (captain), Greg Forrest, Neil Atkinson, Cameron Donaldson, Connel Gibson, Scott Hay, Dominic Foulkes, David Hendry, Aaron Anderson, Jamie White, Cameron O’Brien, Connor Nicol, Darren Cassidy, Neil Pyper, Calum Dunn, Rhys Lochead, Izaac Stenhouse, Shaun Ritchie, Jacob Skeldon.

Under-16 squads

Ross High School: Rhys James, Chris Innes, Owen Golightly, Shaun Dick, Joshua Fitzpatrick, Declan Glass, Ryan McMurdo, Cameron McBeth, Jason Pattison, Lomond Gray, Kyle McFadden, Thomas Harker, Robbie Stirling, Harry Thomson, Ryan Steel,

Jake Beverage.

Leith Academy : Ben Cargill, Jake Montgomery, Ewan Farmer, Bobby Balloch, Kane O’Connor, John Webley, Ruairi Lamb, Dominick McCann, Shaun Farrow, Jack Enguidanos, Matthew Salkeld, Callum Dawson, Jamie Balloch, Josh Anrews, Thomas Dobbie, Luke Dunn.