Galashiels Academy 5
Madras College 0
BREWIN DOLPHIN UNDER-18 PLATE SEMI-FINAL
GALASHIELS ACADEMY will face either Kelvinside Academy or Marr College in the final of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-18 Plate after achieving a narrow win over Madras College at Netherdale last week, writes Alan Lorimer.
In wet conditions and on a heavy pitch, the academy made defence count against a Madras side that enjoyed greater territorial advantage and greater possession from the line-out and which played with ambition behind the scrum.
“I thought we defended fantastically,” said academy coach, Lewis Bertram, adding: “They kept the ball very well. I don’t think the conditions suited us, we’re a running side.”
The only score of the game came in the first half when No8 Josh Irvine took a quick tap penalty before being driven over for an unconverted try.
Thereafter, apart from a break by their stand-off Ruari Howarth that threatened to create a second try, Galashiels were forced to defend doggedly, with some heroic tackles by first-time starter, Mark Amos, Scotland under-18 squad prop, Gary Robertson and centre Daniel Nicholson, that ensured Madras were unable to turn pressure into points.
Galashiels Academy become the second Borders side to reach a Plate final, Jedburgh Grammar School having already booked their place in the last two of the under-16 competition.
A date for the finals has yet to be announced as the recent bad weather has continued to wreak havok over the remaining outstanding fixtures.
Galashiels Academy: M. Amos; C. Hunter, D. Nicholson, K. Young, C. Nicholson; R Howarth, G Hamilton; G. Yeomens, D. Moir, G. Robertson, E. Pflug, L. Pringle, L. Scott, H. Brown, J. Irvine. Subs: B. Purves, P. Glenfield, J. Brown, L. Johnstone, K. Millar, K. Shillinglaw, C. Hancock.