Reliable Urquhart kicks Caledonia to verge of Districts under-18 title

CALEDONIA head the Scottish Districts Under-18 championship after defeating Edinburgh 20-16 on Sunday in a thrilling encounter at the revised venue of St Andrews University after the scheduled venue, Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy, had been declared unplayable The Reds had to overcome an early ten-point deficit, Edinburgh having scored through Currie hooker Fergus Scott, the conversion and a penalty from the George Watson's stand-off, Scott Mullins.

They did so with tries before the break by the Dunfermline scrum- half, Andrew Watt, and the Kirkcaldy No 8, Dale Turner, both converted by the Dollar Academy centre, Jamie Urquhart, to give Caledonian a 14-10 interval advantage.

Mullins was replaced by Edinburgh Academy's Cup-winning stand-off, Fraser Gillies, who confirmed his recovery from injury with two penalties to restore Edinburgh's lead.

But, despite a fighting finish from Edinburgh, it was Caledonia who triumphed with two late penalty goals from the reliable Urquhart.

Caledonia can wrap up the title when they face Glasgow at New Anniesland next Sunday, when they will be hoping to make it three wins from three games.

Certainly they will be encouraged in that aspiration by the poor form shown by Glasgow against Borders in their latest outing on Sunday.

Once again there was a switch of venue, Walkerburn's Haugh pitch coming to the rescue after Riverside Park in Jedburgh was ruled out because of water-logging.

While Walkerburn provided a good playing surface, it is, however, still disappointing that representative matches are played at grounds lacking a stand.

The choice of venue did not affect Borders, who bounced back from defeat by the Reds a week earlier to achieve a 24-3 win over a disappointing Glasgow team that tired in the second-half as their opponents increased the pace of the game.

Borders, with the Heriot's and former Hawick player, Stuart Hogg, giving his side pace and urgency from stand-off, were much the slicker side, showing good handling skills throughout.

All three of the Borders tries came from the front-row department, Melrose Wasps tighthead Gavin Robertson scoring the first from a break by Hogg and support from Rory Sutherland, and Hawick Wanderers' loosehead Robin Hislop grabbing the other two with powerful drives to the line.

Borders' other points came from the boot of Selkirk YC full back Josh Welsh, who kicked all three conversions and a penalty goal.

For Glasgow, Cumnock centre Mark Bennett kicked a first- half penalty goal.