Strathallan and Glenalmond to contest all-perthshire final

Perthshire schools Strathallan and Glenalmond will make first-ever appearances in the final of the Scottish Schools under-18 Cup after winning their respective semi-finals against George Watson’s College and Fettes College yesterday.

At Myreside, Strathallan putinapowerfulsecond-half performance to secure a 21-3 win against Watson’s, after the two sides had drawn the first half 0-0. Strong ball carrying by prop Murphy Walker and second row Cameron Henderson penetrated what had been a solid Watson’s defence to create three tries.

Alex Marsh made his side’s breakthrough before Finlay Laird and Ollie Smith completed the Strathallan scoring, all three tries converted by Angus Vipond.

“We’ve got a group of boys who can stick to a plan and who work for each other. The second half typified what we can do,” said Andy Henderson, the Strathallan director of rugby.

Forwatson’s,wholastnight suffered their first defeat by Scottish opposition this season, their points came from a second-half penalty kicked by centre Paul Cunningham.

In the first of the semifinals at Glenalmond, a lastminute penalty by full-back Ben Morrison gave the home team a 6-3 win over past winners Fettes College.

“It means a massive amount to the school. It is the first time in 12 years we have been in a semi-final and we’ve never been to a final at Murrayfield in the Cup before,” said Glenalmond coach Graham Smith.

In wet conditions that mitigated against open rugby, Glenalmond used their forward power intelligently. A penalty apiece by full-back Harry Paterson for Fettes and Morrison for Glenalmond maintained a stalemate until, with a minute of the game left, the Glenalmond full-back kicked the winning goal.