Top U18 school teams in best of form for Murrayfield finale

THANKS to a new format this season, the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup has the potential to be one of the best ever held, according to two former Scotland A stand-offs who go head-to-head in the dugouts at the finals tomorrow.

Mark Appleson and Ally Donaldson, who revelled in big occasions as players, will face each other as coaches when the 1st XVs of Edinburgh Academy and George Watson’s College meet at 6pm in the 29th schools cup final. And they believe the decision to play the cup through to the final stage before Christmas will ensure that the players are in prime form when they line up at Murrayfield.

“I really like it,” said Appleson, whose side has featured in each of the past three finals. “The weakness of the cup in previous years was that you built up a great head of steam going through the rounds and then, after the semi-final there would be a big break for three weeks over Christmas, and we’d have to return the focus to the cup final right in the middle of prelim exam times.

“The benefit of having the final now is that, hopefully, we will have both teams in the best form they are likely to be in all season, and academically the boys have been able to focus on this without worrying about exams at the same time.”

Appleson accepts his side will start as favourites, but is acutely aware that the favourites have not always claimed the spoils.

“Without a doubt they are a good side – you don’t win 13 out of 13 without being good – but Watson’s have a massive pack and I’ve just been looking at the weather forecast and crying because it doesn’t look too good for this weekend.

“But the team are going well and we have a strong core in the back row and at half-back. I believe there are players in this squad capable of going on to play professional and international rugby. Mike Blair watched our game against Merchiston and tweeted that he believed that too, so I’m hopeful the boys will show their best form against Watson’s.”

Among the Academy stars this year is Alex Glashan, a Scotland under-18 scrum-half a year early, as well as back row Chris Dean, who is featuring in his third final and so has experienced both winning and losing at the national stadium.

Dean lines up alongside brothers Cameron and Rory Simpson in the back row, while Ronan Seydak, the younger brother of Aberdeen Grammar School FP’s Lawrie, starts in the second row.

George Watson’s also have a familial connection tomorrow in the centre where brothers Andrew and Fraser McMillan feature in the 1st XV final and preceding under-16 match respectively. Winger Dominic Johnston might also benefit from some words of wisdom from his father, David, who scored a few tries at Murrayfield as a Scotland centre.

Donaldson said: “Edinburgh Academy are favourites and Mark has said that he thinks this is the best team he has coached in 25 years, so we know we face a tough challenge.

“But we have a pretty solid team that has grown throughout the season and improved, and this cup format has helped bring them to their peak. They’ve really come on together with a good spirit and work ethic and I think we’ll relish being the underdogs.

“So many boys have lost in semi-finals in recent years, which is always the worst round to lose in, so I’m delighted for them that they have got to the final this year.

“And the fact that we have two teams in the finals makes for a fantastic day out for the school and the players and their families.

“It’s massive for the kids and, no matter how much you might want to play it down, you can’t get away from the excitement it generates. The chance to play at Murrayfield is huge for these guys and I’m looking forward to them showing the ability they have and enjoying the occasion.”

TEAMS

George Watson’s College: Fraser McKay; Dominic Johnston, Chris McBeth, Andrew McMillan, Jack Broadley; Euan McKean, Ramsay Young (capt); Michael Gillespie, Ross Gregor, Rhys Jack (vice-capt), Matt Poole, Neil Irvine Hess, Matt Horsman, Nick Hurn, Will Brown. Subs: James Hassall, Hamish Campbell, Andrew Watts, Henry Lawrence, James Bedford, Chris Cash, Peter Clink.

Edinburgh Academy: Robbie Orr; Tom Salisbury, Alex Swan, Tom Grey, Freddie Smith; Zander Muir, Alex Glashan (vice-capt); Josh Haining, Angus Lutton, Andrew McWilliam, Chris Thomson, Ronan Seydak, Cameron Simpson, Rory Simpson, Chris Dean (capt). Subs: Mack Millar, Tom Mitchell, Ruaridh Smith, Jamie Spratt, Jonty Bredin, Scott McWilliam, Calum Peace.