Under-16 National Bowl final
South Argyll Schools 10 The Royal High School 49 U16 National Bowl Final
Wednesday December 5 saw South Argyll Schools U16 rugby team travel through to Murrayfield for the Scottish Schools Bowl Final.
Against all odds, the team deservedly reached their first National Final after a path through the competition that has involved lots of ups and downs. The team have had to deal with overnight trips away, opposition calling off at the last minute and a tough trip to Marr College in the early rounds along the path of securing their place in the National Bowl Final against the Royal High School.
South Argyll held off the Royal High challenge in the opening exchanges of play as Jamie Blair did well to clear his side’s lines after a period of pressure. Royal High did take the lead after five minutes aided by some slick handling work to touch down in the right corner 5-0. This lead was extended with a carbon copy of the first try giving a 10-0 lead after eight minutes.
This early setback refused to knock the confidence of the SA side, who gained some good territory with runs from Tarbert’s Matthew Peden and some good defensive work from Campbeltown’s Kyle Colville, Calum Cook and Lochgilphead’s Ruaridh Condie.
South Argyll launched a few attacks at the line mid way in the half and were eventually rewarded with Kyle Colville diving over from a quickly taken penalty from captain Jamie Blair. After 20 minutes it was game on at 10-5 to Royal High.
Frustratingly, South Argyll lost control of the game at crucial stages before half-time conceding three tries as Royal High raced into a 25-5 interval lead.
Despite valiant efforts in defence, a tiring Argyll side lost a further two scores before Colville secured his second try of the day, rounding off an impressive performance from the big second row. SAS used all their playing squad in an effort to get back into the game, but Royal High dominated possession and territory in the closing stages and eventually ran out as comfortable 49-10 winners.
Even with a heavy scoreline, the South Argyll coaches were left delighted with the team’s efforts against a very well-drilled and experienced Royal High side.
Congratulations to Royal High U16s on their National Bowl win.
While this final took place early in the afternoon, that wasn’t the end of Argyll’s representation on the day. The U18s Cup Final, the showpiece game of the day, was fiercely contested by Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, and St Aloysius College, Glasgow, on the international pitch later that night. Ardfern’s Archie Spencer, a former Lochgilphead High pupil and Mid Argyll, Oban High and Oban Lorne player, who now attends Merchiston Castle School, played his part in his team’s 40-7 victory. Everyone from both schools and clubs would like to congratulate Archie on his success.