Schools rugby: Cup holders Academy aiming high again for new season

Academy coach Mark Appleson, however, is confident his side can make a strong showing. "There is a bit of rebuilding, but pre-season has gone well and expectations are high".

Dollar warmed up with a home match against Howe of Fife U18s, winning 17-3 in what their coach, Steve Newton, described as a "scrappy game, typical of a first run-out". Flanker Fraser Souter and centre Moray Tripney ran in tries, both converted by skipper and stand-off Adam Deardon, who also kicked a penalty goal.

Also playing their first official schools game this season are Merchiston, who face Stewart's-Melville. Merchiston, who are strengthened by the arrival of sixth form scholarship holder, Scott Steele, will play a warm-up game tonight against Stirling County. Stewart's-Melville opened their season last Saturday against George Watson's College, who confirmed their strength this season with a 24-5 win over the Inverleith side. Winger Dominic Johnson scored two tries, while flanker Ian Maclellan and hooker Ally Ross had one score apiece. Stand-off Andrew McMillan kicked two conversions and for Stewart's-Melville winger Andrew Hughes scored one try.

There was success too for George Heriot's, who won 45-0 win at Glasgow Academy.

Meanwhile the preliminary round of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools U18 Cup resulted in wins for North Berwick High School, who defeated Preston Lodge 69-8, Hutchesons' Grammar, winners over Ellington School and Bell-Baxter, victors against Kinross High School.

But already there are worrying signs that the restructured Cup competition is experiencing problems signalled by the withdrawals of Galashiels Academy, Perth Academy, Aboyne Academy and Culloden Academy resulting in preliminary round walkovers for Hawick High School, Madras College, Glenalmond College and Strathallan respectively.