Late Anderson penalty snatches U18 Cup for Boroughmuir

A penalty goal in stoppage time by stand-off Calum Anderson gave Boroughmuir a dramatic 15-14 victory over Ayr/wellington in the final of the National Youth under-18 Cup on the international pitch at BT Murrayfield yesterday.

Shogun Conference U18 winners Boroughmuir had been favourites for the title and looked to be confirming that prediction when they led 12-0 at the interval.

Wing Finlay Devine opened the scoring for Muir with a try in the corner from manof-the-match Gavin Inkster’s pass and when an Ayr attack broke down, the loose ball fell to Fijian Jeke Canakaivata who scorched in for a try converted by Anderson.

A try after the break by centre Dylan Wilson, converted by Murray Thomson brought Ayr back into the game. Then with five minutes to go Ayr scored a second try, this time by replacement Scott Mcdowall, the conversion by Wilson giving Ayr a 14-12 lead only for Anderson to snatch victory and give his side their second major title this season.

Earlier Stirling County won the under-16 Cup after defeating Biggar 22-17 in one of the best finals at this age level seen at Murrayfield.

Biggar led 12-10 at the break with tries from their No 8 Jonathan Smith and centre Rhys Campbell and a conversion from Callum Mccallum.

But Stirling, whose firsthalf points had all come from stand-off Callum Beckett with a converted try and a penalty, added two second-half tries by wing Harry Wilson and centre Liam Mcnicoll and a conversion by Scott Sherriff.

Biggar hit back through flanker Samuel Taylor’s try, not enough, however, to prevent Stirling from taking the honours.