Hamilton youngsters lay down big marker
Hamilton und er-18s announced their promotion to the top tier of Scottish Rugby’ s revamped Youth Conferences with a 17-10 win over Currie Chiefs in the opening round of the competition, writes Alan Lorimer.
Hamilton, along with their Lanarkshire rivals Big gar, are the new boys in the elite stratum of youth rugby, name- changed from President’s Conference to the Shogun Conference, reflecting the new sponsor, Mitsubishi.
After two years of the st atu squo, Scottish Rugby has expanded the top layer to an eight- team conference. Biggar and Hamilton, who won second tier titles in 2016 and 2015 respectively, met the criteria for membership of thetop flight and now sit with Stirling County, Ayr, Highland, West of Scotland, Currie and Boroughmuir.
Hamilton’ s promotion is a reflection of the excellent work that has gone into expanding rugby at the club and their ambition, in the words of youth development director, Alan Falconer “to be a top force in the country.”
Falconer over sees a programme from P6 to under- 18 that draws young talent from 40 local primary schools and four secondaries in the area, Hamilton Grammar School, Holycross HS, John Ogilive HS and Caldervale Academy.
“We’ re working on a style that suits us – getting the ball wider ,” he said .“We have a very good group of coaches.
“Our philosophy is founded on process and not results. Our focus is on getting players comfortable at a higher level.”
With six of last season’ s under- 18 team having already made 1st XV appearances, the policy appears to be working.
Meanwhile, Highland made a good start with a 24- 12 win over Ayr, their four tries all scored by Jack Docherty. Stirling County were 46-3 winners against West of Scotland.
In schools rugby, Stewart’ sMelville,fresh from asuccessful tour to South Africa, head to Cumbria this Saturday to play Sedburgh. George Watson’s College travel to take on Royal Grammar School, Newcastle.