Highland are proving there is strength in the north

Highland Rugby’s unbeaten run at under-18 level in the top-tier Shogun Conference is providing evidence that the game can prosper outside the central belt. Last weekend Highland defeated Boroughmuir 32-10.

“We’re doing OK.” said Highland coach John Carson, who believes the standard of youth rugby is good this season. “What I like is that there’s lots of decent rugby being played by all sides, which is a pleasure to watch.”

Jake Henry bagged a hat-trick of tries for Highland, their other touchdown coming from Richie Dinnes. Jamie Carson kicked two penalty goals and three conversions.

Leading the under-18 charge in the Shogun Conference are Stirling, who had a 62-8 win over Biggar, which their coach Matt Mcgrandles described as “our best team performance of the season.” He added: “It was about being as physical as them but much more clinical with ball in hand.”

In the other Shogun Conference match, Ayr bounced back from defeat by Boroughmuir to trounce Currie 55-0.

Meanwhile, the closeness of the scorelines in the 1st XV first round results of the Colt Conference, points to a highly competitive league. Merchiston laid down a marker by defeating Stewart’s-melville College 18-10 with tries by centre Matthew Currie and flanker Tyler Thomas. Centre Jamie Boyd kicked one conversion and two penalty goals to make the ultimate points difference between the two sides, Stewart’s-melville also having run in two tries scored by Patrick Ritchie and Aidan Fraser.

At Myreside, George Watson’s College prevailed 17-7 against Strathallan with two tries by Corran Henderson and two conversions and a penalty by Paul Cunningham.

Meanwhile, Dollar edged out Edinburgh Academy 15-12, Lachlan Kelly securing victory with a late drop goal, having earlier kicked a conversion. Dollar’s tries were scored by Gus Warr and Danny Robins.