Rugby: Gillies helps book Academy's place in final

EDINBURGH ACADEMY stand-off Fraser Gillies earned the plaudits of coach Mark Appleson after steering his side to a 19-15 win over George Watson's College to book a place in the Brewin Dolphin under-18 Schools Cup final, writes COLIN RENTON.

Gillies kicked four penalties and set up a try for Ben Brown, then added the conversion, as the Academy came from behind to seal a showdown for the silverware with Stewart's Melville. Watson's had tries by Chris Scott and Scott Mullins, who also slotted a conversion.

Stew-Mel secured a return trip to Murrayfield and a chance to atone for last year's defeat after Andrew Warnock converted his own try to seal a 7-3 win over Merchiston Castle, for whom Sam Hidalgo-Clyne landed a penalty.

Stew-Mel's under 15s also reached the final. Scott Docherty's penalty gave them a 3-3 draw against Edinburgh Academy for whom Gair Currie was on target. But Stew-Mel went through as the away side and will play Hutchesons' Grammar, 10-7 winners over Edinburgh Academy.