Scotland reap hockey and rugby talent at Dollar Academy

Dollar Academy has unearthed a treasure trove of sporting talent. Picture: Greg Macvean

Georgia Smith, Erin Stevens, Susie Green and Jenny Walls (all Form IV) are in the Under-16 training squad and they were all key players in this season’s Dollar 1st XI.

Eve Pearson (Form III captain) was also selected for the training squad. Lynsey Allan (director of hockey) commented: “It is fantastic given the fact she has another full year playing for this age group.”

One of the youngest girls to be selected is Lucy Smith (Form II), who was selected for the development squad. Lucy has played in the 1st XI this season already (alongside her sister, Georgia), and she even scored in her debut match. Olivia Mears (Form IV) is also a member of the National Performance Programme.

Congratulations to Ben Pearson (Form V) who captained Scotland Under-16 boys in a three-match series against Ireland last month. The boys won the series 2-1.

Ben has future international fixtures against both Wales and England this month. Alex Wilson (Form 2) is in the Under-16 Development squad.

Erin, Susie and Jenny all received their first caps against Ireland in a three-match Test series at the end of last month. They drew the first game 3-3, won the second 1-0 and lost the third 2-0.

As a result of their performance, Erin and Jenny have established themselves in the squad and will now face England on 29 April – 2 May. Georgia impressed the coaches throughout the development squad trip to Holland and as a result has been called up to the National squad and will get her first cap against England.

The girls have been working very hard on the pitch and each of them trains according to an individualised conditioning programme led by Stevie Wilson, Dollar’s strength and conditioning coach. They have all been attending lunchtime and after-school training sessions over the last few years, and worked very hard on their technical abilities. Erin, Susie, Jenny, Eve, Olivia and Lucy were all in the Midland Under-16 squad that won the Inter-district Tournament this season.

Allan added, “I would like to congratulate the girls on their selection. They have all worked extremely hard and I thoroughly enjoy working with them. It is a huge honour to have the opportunity to represent your country and the girls will benefit from the  experience.

“Dollar Academy has never produced a full internationalist and I firmly believe these girls demonstrate all the necessary qualities to achieve this. I am really looking forward to seeing their progress over the next few years.”

Meanwhile, four Dollar pupils were capped for Scotland Under-18 rugby in the inaugural International Series in Wales over the Easter break. Harry Warr (Form VI), Euan McLaren (Form V), Grant Hughes (Form V) and Callum Cruickshank (Form V) were all involved against Wales, Ireland and England, representing their country with some eye-catching performances.

Dollar’s director of rugby, Don Caskie, commented: “Playing for your country is a great honour and a fantastic achievement for Harry, Euan, Grant and Callum. All four have had outstanding seasons and have been a major factor in the success of this year’s 1st XV.

“It is an exciting time for rugby at Dollar with considerable ability and commitment being demonstrated at all levels. The enthusiasm and dedication from our younger age groups bodes exceptionally well for the future and they will no doubt be further inspired by these call-ups. “