Gillies snub leads backs coach to quit Under-17 post

SCOTLAND Under-17's preparations for their international programme this season has been hit by the resignation of their backs coach, Mark Appleson, currently in charge of rugby at Edinburgh Academy.

It is understood that Appleson's decision is not connected with the under-17 squad but rather with the non-selection for the Scotland Under-18 squad of Edinburgh Academy's cup-winning stand-off and last season's Scotland Under-17 captain, Fraser Gillies.

"When Fraser learned that he was not in the squad of 27, he was gutted," said Appleson. "I was disappointed that none of the Scotland Under-18 management talked to me and as far as I'm concerned the feedback Fraser received after the district championship was derisory. He was the stand-out schools player this season. I just wonder about the progression between under-17 and under-18."

He added: "I've discussed the matter with my school and feel I now have a duty to offer pastoral care to Fraser for the final few rugby matches of his school career. I want him to enjoy the final few weeks of his rugby at Edinburgh Academy and want him to have fond memories of his time here."

Gillies certainly enjoyed himself on Sunday, leading Edinburgh Academy to victory in the Merchiston Sevens at Colinton, where they beat Selkirk Youth club 26-5 in the final.

Edinburgh Academy will now start as favourites this weekend when they contest the Heriot's Sevens at Goldenacre before the sevens circuit concludes at Myreside for the Watson's tournament next Tuesday.

Watson's rounded off action in XVs rugby on Saturday with a 46-12 victory over Robert Gordon's College. Full-back Scott McKean scored a hat-trick of tries and there was one apiece from prop Chris Scott, wingers Olly Cutting and George Dalkin, centre Ramsay Young and back-row Malcolm Peacock. Ally Harris kicked three conversions.

Elsewhere, Dollar Academy defeated Heriot's 31-12 at home and Stewart's-Melville achieved a 14-10 win against Dundee High School. Meanwhile, after defeating Boroughmuir HS/James Gillespies HS combine, Dundee High School will face Hawick High School in the final of the Brewin Dolphin Under-15 Plate competition, likely to be played in Edinburgh next week.

In the National Youth Cup, the eagerly awaited quarter-final tie between Musselburgh and the favourites Currie has been put back until 14 April, only 12 days before the scheduled date of the final at Murrayfield. The other match due to have been played last week between Highland and Aberdeen GS will be played on Saturday, while Haddington v Dumfries and Boroughmuir v GHA are expected to go ahead tomorrow.