Improving Dollar side bidding to match well-oiled Watson’s XV in under-16 final

Dollar Academy enter new territory today when they face George Watson’s College in the final of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools under-16 Cup on the international pitch at Murrayfield in what is always one of the calendar highlights of age-grade rugby.

Last season Dollar entered the under-16 cup but missed out on a place in the quarter-finals after struggling in the pool stages of what was a differently formatted competition.

This season, the Clackmannanshire school, recognised at under-18 level as one of the powerhouses in schools rugby, moved through the rounds of the under-16 competition with wins over Hutchesons’ Grammar School, Merchiston and Glasgow High School, to book their place in the final.

“We had a good run through the rounds. The away game against Merchiston was probably the hardest. We also managed to squeeze past Glasgow High School. If I were being honest I’d say we had the easier side of the draw,” admitted Dollar’s under-16 coach, Martin Hose, who represented Scottish Schools back in 1992 as a stand-off.

Hose knows that his side will be the underdogs going into the final. “Watson’s are a fantastic team. So we will have to step up a gear and have a go at them,” added the Dollar coach.

A benchmark for both teams is Dundee High School. The Mayfield side were comfortable winners over Dollar earlier this season but lost 13-11 to Watson’s in an exciting semi-final at Myreside.

Dollar, however, have improved in recent weeks and, with inspiring players in scrum-half Jacob Adamson, prop Murray Seele and hooker Danny Dineen in a team which works hard, they will offer a challenge.

Watson’s, who have been in junior age group finals in the past, will come to Murrayfield as clear favourites in part because of current form and also because of their team understanding.

“This group have been together as a team since Primary Six,” noted Ian Brown, the Edinburgh school’s under-16 coach.

Brown has made only one change from the semi-final starting team, with prop Eddie Irvine replacing Scott McIntosh in what was “a tough call.” The selection of Irvine will strengthen an already powerful pack that was the key to Watson’s success over Dundee High School. Other influential players in the Watson’s pack are flanker Jake Kerr, the son of former Scotland A winger John Kerr, and No 8 Ally Millar.

And then of course there is a famous surname in what is an effective back division that includes, at inside centre, Adam Hastings, the son of Scotland and Lions legend, Gavin Hastings, and, like his father, a prolific goal-kicker.

On the wing Ben Robbins provides power and pace to make best use of hard won ball.

“We’re expecting a lot from Dollar,” said Brown. “It’s a great opportunity for the boys. They shouldn’t be fazed by playing on the international pitch, as they’ve played on the main pitch at Myreside and at Inverleith They’re naturally very excited and just can’t wait for the big game.”

Dollar Academy U16: S McDougal; B Dickson, L Hetman, J McAloon, J George; G Haldane, J Adamson; C Grounds, D Dineen, M Semple, C Thomson, H Waterston, R Beautyman, A Crawford, C Sreenan. Subs N Ivatt, O Page, G Pierpoint, L Gilbride, B Ward, C Dunn, C Adam.

George Watson’s College U16: J Cousin; C McMillan, F McMillan, A Hastings, B Robbins; C Young, C Ladd; E Irvine, C Davidson, D Beresford, A Coull, M Miller, R Rostron, J Kerr, A Miller. Subs S McIntosh, J Kidd, F Wood, A Muir, M Traynor-Moss, R Lind, A Dowd.