WALLACE HIGH KIDS SO CLOSE TO GLORY
Pupils edged out in final
Wallace High School’s hopes of rugby glory in the 2018 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship final were dashed on Friday at Scotstoun Stadium by Shawlands Academy.
The Stirling school won through two rounds of qualifying and played the Glasgow-based school at the home of Glasgow Warriors in the final.
This year’s tournament saw 24 schools and more than 1000 boys and girls from across the west, central and southern Scotland take part during six weeks of action.
Each competing school entered an S1 and S2 level boys team as well as an under-15s girls’ team and it was the girls who kicked-off the final at a sun-baked Scotstoun.
The match was an incredibly competitive contest with both sets of players giving their all in defence.
It remained one try apiece for a large part of the match before Shawlands scored two late second half tries to seal a hard fought 3-1 victory.
In the S1 game, it was tit-for-tat with both teams scoring tries but Shawlands’ powerful runners ensured an 11-5 win which secured the 2018 title.
The S2 game was equally competitive with defending champions Shawlands Academy showing their class to win 12-4.
Wallace High School coach Chris Jubb said: “Across the three matches everyone All pics credit: © Craig Watson played their heart out and I’m very proud of our players.
“It was a fantastic final and I am really chuffed for the Wallace High School pupils who went one better than last year to make the final.”
He added: “It was great to invite family, friends, staff and pupils from both schools and they generated a fantastic atmosphere.
“If it wasn’t for SP Energy Networks we wouldn’t have this competition so a huge thanks to them.
“They are a great community partner for Glasgow Warriors and it’s a real thrill for us to play against schools that we wouldn’t normally get to compete against.”
Both sets of players formed a guard of honour ahead of the Glasgow Warriors v Scarlets professional rugby match on Friday whilst Shawlands Academy were presented with the 2018 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship trophy at half time, before taking part in a victory lap of honour.
The Most Valuable Players from each game also presented the match ball ahead of kick-off in front of 10,000 fans with Wallace High’s Neve Henderson winning the girls’ award.
Neve said: “I loved competing in this year’s competition. Coming together as a team with my friends is so much fun and I think that shows in the rugby we play.”
SP Energy Networks, which operates across central and southern Scotland, are working with Glasgow Warriors on a wide-range of community initiatives, including the SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.