Rugby: Currie captain has extra motivation for Cup Final

FERGUS SCOTT will lead Currie colts into the Scottish youth rugby cup final against Dumfries at Murrayfield on Monday (7.30pm) determined to make the most of the occasion after fate cruelly robbed him of a cap opportunity.

Hooker Fergus was due to leave with the Scotland under-18 team for an international tournament in Wales recently when he was taken ill on the eve of departure.

Hospital tests followed on his stomach complaint before he was cleared to resume playing and since then the younger brother of Scotland under-20 stand-off, Matthew, has been making up for lost time.

"I'm still getting my match fitness back but, by kick-off, I'm sure I'll be just right and able to play my part in a team that has been gradually improving," he says.

Head boy at Currie High School, Fergus believes Currie colts have under-achieved.

"Our league form has been pretty mixed but we can draw on experience of reaching the final last year even if we were beaten by Stirling County."

That defeat was avenged on the way to Murrayfield this time with Musselburgh and Aberdeen Grammar also falling victim to a side coached by Fergus's father, Sean and Bob Ormiston both of whom will hand over the reins before next season. Sean Scott says: "I will still be coaching Edinburgh under-16s but feel it is right to take a break from the club scene at this time.

"As for Bob he has given ten years of fantastic service to Currie colts and the boys will definitely want to put in a special effort to reward him."

Fergus Scott, who represented Scotland Youth against France, Wales and Leeds Academy before illness struck, agrees and looks forward to stepping up into the senior ranks next season.

"I know it is going to be tough breaking through especially with Alun Walker the current Scotland under-20 hooker at Currie.

"I'll set my sights on trying to get a second-team place initially and see what happens after that.

"It's just brilliant to be part of a Currie club where so much is happening."

In addition to the first team going for the Premiership, the club's seconds have gained promotion to Scotland's top reserve league.

• CURRIE will host their annual mini-rugby tournament at Malleny Park tomorrow. Ties get underway at 11am with the finals scheduled for 2.30pm. Teams taking part include Boroughmuir, Watsonians, Stewart's Melville, Edinburgh Accies, Biggar, Ayr and Madrascals (St Andrews). Around 480 youngsters will take part.