Schools rugby: Heriot’s sunk as Merchiston ease into last four of cup

Merchiston became the first of the eight quarter-finalists to qualify for the penultimate round of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools under-18 Cup after beating George Heriot’s 58-3 on Saturday – a real confidence boost ahead of the prestigious St Josephs tournament in Ipswich this weekend.

The Colinton school, undefeated this season and hotly tipped for cup success, have been drawn in a tough group. They will face Stowe, Bedford and Stamford in a tournament which brings together many of the strongest rugby schools in the UK.

Also among the favourites to win the cup are George Watson’s, who again showed their formidable power with a 67-0 win over Glenalmond College, wingers Ben Robbins and Fraser McMillan accounting for eight tries between them.

Another side to record a high points win was Stewart’s-Melville, who ran out 56-0 winners over Bell-Baxter High School from Cupar.

Stewart’s-Melville will also be in cup action this week – at under-16 level – on Thursday when they take on Strathallan in the quarter-finals. Their under-18 match against Edinburgh Academy has been confirmed for 31 October.

In the Borders, Earlston High won a closely-fought contest against Peebles High, their 36-27 victory booking a place in the final of the Borders Schools Cup against Galashiels Academy. Stand-off Ben Chalmers, son of Scotland and Lions fly-half Craig scored 21 of Earlston’s points.

In the west of Scotland, Marr College take off for Canada tomorrow for a three-match tour which begins on Thursday against Saltfleet High School.

On Saturday the Troon school will be in action against Brock High School, the Ontario Provincial Champions, before concluding their tour with a game against Nottawasaga Pines High School.

Marr had to call off their game against last season’s under-18 Plate runners-up, Carrick Academy, because of injury problems and the need to avoid further problems ahead of their North American tour.

However, there was rugby 
action at New Anniesland where visitors Hutchesons’ Grammar School secured a 64-12 win over Glasgow Academy with captain and No 8 Gordon Campbell capping an outstanding performance with two tries.

The win for Hutchesons’ followed a home victory by 45-12 a day earlier at Auldhouse against South African visitors Benoni.

Finally, Glasgow High School defeated St Aloysius College 19-10. Their tries came from Gavin Main, Ally Hogg and Jack Devlin, with two of the touchdowns converted by John Barnes.