The Scrum, Scottish Club Rugby Union Magazine, will keep you updated with all the latest news in Scottish Rugby. You can keep in touch with what is going on at all levels from mini’s and midi’s rugby to school rugby, universities and woman’s rugby and including news from all the Scottish Club leagues.
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Updated on: Thursday, 01.05.08
Earlston Sevens draw
Wednesday, 30-Apr-2008The 78th annual Earlston Sevens tournament (sponsored by Graham) takes place at The Haugh on Sunday, May 4 (first tie 1pm).
The tournament is the penultimate event in the Kings of the Borders Sevens circuit.
Draw: Langholm v Peebles, Selkirk v Stewart’s-Melville FP, Jed-Forest v Gala, Melrose v Haddington, Kelso v Duns, Edinburgh Accies v Earlston, Hawick v Heriot’s, Watsonians v Berwick.
Refs needed urgently
Wednesday, 30-Apr-2008The Boroughmuir Mini Tournament is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 4 when hundreds of kids should have a fantastic day playing rugby.
The club needs 12 referees for the tournament but at present they only have seven whistle blowers available.
A spokesman said: “We must find five more referees by Wednesday 30 April [today] or the tournament will have to be cancelled.
“If you are able to help, please step forward. You will need to be available between 10:15am and 1pm.”
If you can help please contact Clare Bartos at clare@bartos.demon.co.uk
Wandering around the world this Saturday
Tuesday, 29-Apr-2008Aberdeen Wanderers senior players are to divide up into two XVs to represent Scotland and the Rest of the World and play for the Saltire Projects Quaich this Saturday.
The game is celebration of the multinational and multicultural nature of Aberdeen Wanderers, Over the years we have had 1st XV players from all the traditional rugby playing countries including all home nations, France, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and some of the less well know rugby Nations like USA, Canada, Germany, Colombia and Peru.
This game kicks off at 2pm and the sides will be captained by former club captain Stuart Davies (Scotland) and current club captain David Hurst (Rest of the World).
GRT set to get their whites on
Tuesday, 29-Apr-2008Gala Cricket Club have once again invited Gala Red Triangle to contest a cricket match later this month.
The GRT side will be made up of past and present coaches and senior players. It is due to take place on Friday, May 23.
Falcons swoop to win at Langholm
Monday, 28-Apr-2008Newcastle Falcons won the Langholm Sevens for the fourth time running on Saturday.
In the final of the centenary event the English side – with Scotland under-20 man Ross Samson playing - dominated the first half, building up a half-time lead of 26-7 with tries from scrum-half Jack Smales (2), winger Ollie Brennand and centre Rory Clegg to one touchdown for Jed by winger Jamie McCraw.
Jed, however, refused to give in and scored two tries in the second half by McCraw and Greg Walker. Fred Burdon scored another for the Falcons as they won 31-17.
Bell Baxter retain trophy
Monday, 28-Apr-2008Bell Baxter High School retained the John Lewis Scottish Schools Sevens title on the back pitches at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The team from Cupar beat Galashiels Academy 31-5 in the cup final of the event involving 50 schools.
Bell Baxter head coach Steve Aitken said: “I’m delighted for the school and the boys. It’s a great achievement to the win the tournament twice.“We put a lot of pressure on Gala and worked really well as a team, which is one of our biggest strengths.”
There were various other trophies handed out during the day too.
These included the quaich which was won by St Thomas of Aquins.
They showed excellent hands to defeat Hamilton College 33-0 in the final, while St Augustine’s RC High School took the salver after a 19-5 win over Stirling High School in the final.
Scottish Rugby’s head of community rugby Colin Thomson added: “The John Lewis Scottish Schools Sevens is a fantastic youth event; it was great to see so many young rugby players out there enjoying themselves.
“There was really high quality sevens on display but, equally as important, was the participation of new and rejuvenated rugby schools like Stirling High School, who haven’t had a competitive team for almost six years.”
Kids get ready for seventh heaven
Friday, 25-Apr-2008Bell Baxter High School are stepping up preparations to retain the John Lewis Scottish Schools Sevens at Murrayfield tomorrow.
Last year the Cupar school, blessed with an amalgam of power and pace, were the outstanding squad on display as they defeated Tayside rivals The High School of Dundee.
The current 2008 squad is no different and includes Scotland under-18 players Ross Aitken, Rory Drummond and Michael Fedo - all of whom were in last years winning squad - as well as Caledonia district representatives Grant Henderson and William Wardlaw.
Bell Baxter and Scotland under-18 stand off, Ross Aitken, said: "The Schools Sevens is a great day, the teams all enjoy themselves and it's really quite competitive with some good rugby being played.
”We’re definitely up for it and feel that we can retain the cup as we all work hard for each other and we’re quite a skilful bunch."
The competition, involving 64 teams, takes place on Murrayfield’s back pitches.
First ties kick-off at 11am with the cup final scheduled for 5.40pm.
In addition to the cup event, there will be seven other trophies up for grabs, the quaich, plate, salver, bowl, plaque, shield and pennant. There will also be a fair play award for the team that best epitomises sportsmanship.
County thump Heriot’s
Friday, 25-Apr-2008Stirling County ended their season on a high with a 64-14 win over an under-strength Heriot’s side at Bridgehaugh last night.
The Edinburgh side rested almost their whole first team for the rearranged Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One match ahead of next week’s cup final.
County scored ten tries in all through Ross Aitken, Ben Addison (2), Massey Tuhakaraina (2), Brian Archibald, Jonny Hope (2), Garry Mountford and Gordon McRorie.
Heriot’s tries came from half-backs Andrew Douglas and OJ Brown.
Wonderful time at Whitecraigs
Wednesday, 23-Apr-2008Whitecraigs clinched the Scottish Hydro Electric National League Division One title at the end of last month to cap a great season.
They beat Helensburgh 32-3 to win the title, while just a day previously they had been named the Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month for February.
With six after-school clubs attracting over 100 children, and the first and second teams teams doing so well this has seen a fairytale turnaround for the Glasgow club.
President Hugh Henderson, paid tribute to the club’s new Development Officer, Boyd Carswell.
“Getting Boyd in place here has been key; he’s been promoting the club to lots of local schools.
“Thanks to Boyd more and more minis are coming along and we have a very strong S2 team – what’s also been key is our hard work in areas like Neilston and Barrhead.”
Glasgow Warriors prop Ed Kalman, who started his career at West Lodge, said: “It’s fantastic that Whitecraigs are receiving the Club of the Month award and that all the hard work is paying off. Whitecraigs have a great name for youth player development.”
Anna Crampin, Scottish Hydro Electric sponsorship manager, added: “Whitecraigs are the quintessential club of the month. Two years ago they recognised that action needed to be taken to save their club and since then they have worked extremely hard to turn the club’s fortunes around, from mini rugby right up to senior level.”
For this and more stories, please see the April issue of the magazine. To subscribe click on the link on the website or for more information email gary@scrummagazine.com
Co-Optimists look set for bright future
Wenesday, 23-Apr-2008The Co-Optimist Rugby Club has announced some exciting developments as they look to the future.
Four well-known regional ambassadors have been brought on board to liaise with local clubs regarding bringing together players for the Co-Ops, known by many as the Scottish equivalent of the Barbarians, when fixtures are announced.
These ambassadors are Scott Hastings (Edinburgh and Lothians), Fergus Wallace (Glasgow and West), Gregor Townsend (Borders) and Ian Rankin (North and Midlands).
The club are also in discussions with rugby charity Hearts and Balls regarding the setting up of a partnership between the two organisations.
Secretary Ken Macaulay told The SCRUM: “We want to raise the profile of the Co-Optimists once again as well as promoting and helping the good work Hearts and Balls does so we are in discussions about a link-up.”
This partnership may also bring annual matches against the Anti-Assassins, a team from Lancashire who support the Wooden Spoon rugby charity. These matches would help raise funds for both charities.
The Co-Optimists were founded in September 1924 by well-known rugby journalist Jock Wemyss and George St Claire Murray after they brought together an invitational XV to play a match in Haddington. That evening they decided they wanted to play more fixtures and they named the Co-Optimists club after a popular variety act of the time.
They aimed to promote rugby in areas where it was not the premier sport and many Scottish rugby legends have turned out for the famous club over the years in matches all over the world.
Alistair Dodds, past President and past Secretary, recalls taking a Co-Ops side to the Hong Kong Sevens in 1980.
He said: “I was on holiday in Thailand in 1979 when I was approached by members of the organising committee of the Hong Kong event to see if we would like to put in a side.
“We put together a great squad that year, Andy Irvine was captain and the likes of John Rutherford and Roger Baird were also involved, and we made it to the final where we lost to Fiji.”
The club returned to Hong Kong in 1981 and 1986, won the Melrose Sevens in 1993 and also played against Cardiff at The Arms Park in 1987 as well as making trips to Spain and Monte Carlo amongst other places.
Other famous Scots to have played for the club include Arthur Smith, Sandy Carmichael, Ian McLauchlan, Douglas Morgan, Andy Irvine, Ian McGeechan, Colin Telfer, David Sole, Finlay Calder,John Jeffrey, Gavin and Scott Hastings, Scott Murray and Stuart Grimes.
Ahead of the club’s next fixture on May 11 against an East Lothian select President Fred McLeod told The SCRUM: “The match against the East Lothian select has been a long standing fixture and it is great that we are playing it again this year. We have been in touch with clubs to try and get players released for it and we are hopeful of getting some SRU Academy players involved.
“The club has a great history and tradition and we are looking forward to keeping that going in the coming years.”
The famous Boxing Day fixture with Edinburgh Accies may also be resurrecting in the near future while everyone who has ever played for the club - "once a Co-Optimist, always a Co-Optimist” – is entitled to attend the Quinnenial Dinner, which is usually a who's who of Scottish Rugby. The next one will be in November 2009. For this and more stories, please see the April issue of the magazine. To subscribe click on the link on the website or for more information email gary@scrummagazine.com
Caraher passes away
Tuesday, 22-Apr-2008Many of the older members of Dalziel RFC were saddened to hear of the news of the death of Harry Caraher last week.
In the 70s Harry was an enthusiastic and hard working player and member of the club whose playing career was curtailed by a serious accident at work.
The Funeral Mass will take place today.
A spokesman said: “The thoughts of the whole club are with Margaret and her family at this sad time.”
Loch Lomond after a match
Tuesday, 22-Apr-2008Loch Lomond are looking for a fixture this Saturday, April 26.
They would prefer a home game but would be willing to travel, please contact Iain Norrie on 07738379344.
Heriot’s and Melrose make it to Murrayfield
Monday, 21-Apr-2008Heriot’s will look to reclaim the silverware they won in 2003 after beating Jed in the semi-finals of the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup on Saturday.
The Edinburgh side scored seven tries against their opponents from Premiership Division Two to win 47-14 and will face Melrose at the national stadium after the latter defeated Watsonians 23-10 in Saturday’s other semi.
‘Muir win just Capital
Monday, 21-Apr-2008Boroughmuir won their own sevens tournament yesterday, beating Edinburgh in a thrilling final 21-7 at Meggetland.
The win in the tournament, called the Princess Royal Trust for Carers Capital Sevens, caps a great season for the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One champions.
‘Muir made it to the final with wins over Stewart’s Melville, Edinburgh Accies and Biggar with Calum Cusiter their most impressive player.
Edinburgh, who won the event last year with a win over the hosts in the final, beat Bruce Hay Chiefs, Currie and Edinburgh University to make it through. In the win over Currie both Ben Meyer and Mark Robertson scored hat-tricks.
The final started tightly, but Edinburgh took the lead through a Robertson try converted by ex-‘Muir man Ali Warnock.
Boroughmuir fought back to 7-7 at the interval when captain Rory Couper scored a converted try.
After the break it was all Boroughmuir and after Malcolm Clapperton had gone close Cottrell showed great feet to beat the defence and score under the posts. A converted from flyer Charlie Keenan sealed victory.
Stewart’s Melville won the plate event, retaining the crown after defeating Bruce Hay Chiefs 26-15 in the final.
Princess Royal Trust for Carers Capital Sevens results:
First round – Boroughmuir 19 Stewart’s Melville 17, Edinburgh Accies 29 Preston Lodge 5, Biggar 26 Forrester 17, Meggetland 22 Lismore 17, Heriot’s 0 Watsonians 27, Lasswade 14 Edinburgh University 34, Musselburgh 19 Currie 24, Bruce Hay Chiefs 0 Edinburgh 36.
Second round – Boroughmuir 46 Edinburgh Accies 0, Biggar 24 Meggetland 10, Watsonians 17 Edinburgh University 33, Currie 5 Edinburgh 39.
Semi-finals – Boroughmuir 38 Biggar 10, Edinburgh University 17 Edinburgh 29.
Final – Boroughmuir 21 Edinburgh 7
£1.4 million boost for youth rugby
Friday, 18-Apr-2008Scottish Rugby today welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that they are to inject some £1.4million into youth rugby in Scotland in the next three years.
The sum is being delivered through the Government’s “Cashback for Communities” initiative, whereby cash recovered by the authorities after criminals have been dealt with by the justice system is reinvested in communities throughout Scotland, rural as well as urban.
Scottish Rugby put together a detailed application for funding through the scheme, stressing its belief that sport in general and rugby in particular can play a major role in developing young people, especially those in disadvantaged areas.
The announcement was made today at the East End Healthy Living Centre in Glasgow by Scotland’s Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill and Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell.
Mr MacAskill said: “Criminals don’t contribute to our communities – they live off them. That harms our economy but it also saps self-confidence and ambition, especially among our young people.
“That’s why the Scottish Government is taking the cash these criminals make off the backs of law-abiding folk and putting it back into our communities.
“This latest strand of the scheme will help to take rugby out of its traditional heartlands and provide opportunities for young people in our more disadvantaged communities to play the game, offering them the chance to realise their potential and to have real hopes and aspirations for their future. Geography, social standing and sex should be no barrier to participation in one of our great national sports.”
Weekend of Sevens
Friday, 18-Apr-2008This weekend sees five sevens events taking place.
On Saturday the Hawick, Edinburgh Northern and Ma Bells event in St Andrews take place, while on Sunday it is the turn of Berwick and the Capital Sevens at Meggetland.
Hawick Sevens draw (first tie 2pm): Watsonians v Selkirk, Stirling County v Jed-Forest, Presidents Seven v Kooga Wailers, Boroughmuir v Biggar, Melrose v Gala, Langholm v Hawick, Kelso v Edinburgh Accies, Peebles v Berwick.
The Princes Royal Trust for Scotland Capital Sevens draw (first tie 1pm): Boroughmuir v Stewarts Melville, Edinburgh Accies v Preston Lodge, Biggar v Forrester, RHC Cougars v Lismore, Heriot’s v Watsonians, Lasswade v Edinburgh University, Musselburgh v Currie, Bruce Hay Chiefs v Edinburgh Rugby.
Cup semis taking place
Friday, 18-Apr-2008Jed-Forest head for Goldenacre on Saturday in the Scottish Hydro Elecric Cup looking to carry on the tradition of clubs from out with the top flight making it to Murrayfield finals day.
The Premiership Division Two side beat Haddington in the quarter-finals, but will face a tough test in the semi-final in Edinburgh against top flight Heriot’s. The latter beat Ayr in the last eight last week at Millbrae and they also won the cup in 2003.
In the other semi-final tie Watsonians take on Melrose. The match will be played at Boroughmuir’s Meggetland ground as Myreside is unavailable and it pits the two in-form teams in the country together.
Watsonians will look to captain Kyle Traynor to lead from the front, while skilful back Andrew Skeen could feature. Australian Jordan Macey has been on fire for Melrose of late, while John Dalziel and Kieran Cooney are available with the appeal against their impending suspensions postponed until Monday.
Both matches kick-off at 3pm.
Harris hat-trick leads Merchi to win
Thursday, 17-Apr-2008Winger Jamie Harris scored a hat-trick of tries last night as Merchiston Castle School first XV beat a BATs under-18 side 44-7 at Raeburn Place.
Harris showed the pace which earned him a call-up to the Currie full squad for last weekend’s Melrose Sevens where he scored in their win over Langholm.
Prop Cameron Godfrey scored two tries, while second-row Luke Morrow, replacement Benny Day and full-back Chris Reid also scored.
The BATs – made up from players from various schools including Edinburgh Academy and Trinity Academy – scored their only seven points through talented stand-off Alex Blair.
County looking for Development Officer
Thursday, 17-Apr-2008Stirling County RFC needs a dynamic, knowledgeable, energetic and committed Club Development Officer to work with them for three years to drive the aims of their rugby development plan and Scottish Rugby’s vision.
The club states: “You will have significant rugby development and coaching experience. You will also have a relevant academic qualification and a full and valid driving licence. You must be able to influence parents, players, club coaches and club officials.
“You will deliver on behalf of the club and its partners to create a thriving development structure within Stirling County Rugby Club that ensures that the club is vibrant and at the centre of sustainable rugby development in its surrounding community.
“Working as part of the Central Rugby Development Team you will report to the club Management Group which consists of Stirling County representatives and Scottish Rugby’s Regional Development Manager.”
For a detailed discussion contact either Ray Mountford, Stirling County RFC on 01786 478866 or John Manson, Regional Development Manager on 07764178917
BATs take on Merchiston Castle tonight
Wednesday, 16-Apr-2008A select BATs under-18 side are taking on Merchiston Castle School, the Bell Lawrie Scottish Schools under-18 Cup holders, tonight at Edinburgh Accies ground at 6.30pm.
The BATs team will be made up from the wide North Edinburgh community and will be the best side that can be put together. Pupils from Broughton High School, Trinity Academy, Drummond High School, Craigroyston High school, Fettes College and Edinburgh Academy will be playing.
The Edinburgh BATS is a link up to help young players between Edinburgh Accies, Trinity Accies and Broughton.
Wanderers win own event
Wednesday, 16-Apr-2008This season’s Langholm Sevens will be the centenary of the tournament first played in 1908 when Gala beat Jed-Forest 3-0 in the final.
Last season saw guest side Newcastle Falcons win their third Langholm title in a row when they beat Hawick 40-19 in the final.
This years tournament will once again be sponsored by The Edinburgh Woollen Mill and as well as receiving the Scott Challenge Cup the winning side will be presented with a handsome silver plate which the host club has had specially commissioned.
The draw for the event on Saturday, April 26, first tie 2pm: Hawick v Selkirk, Edinburgh Accies v Melrose, Gala v Watsonians, Haddington v Newcastle Falcons, Annan v Kelso, Berwick v Jed-Forest, Langholm v Perthshire, Peebles v Heriots.
Wanderers win own event
Tuesday, 15-Apr-2008There was a fair amount of deja vu about when Hawick Wanderers won their own Sevens for the second year running at the weekend.
As with last year the Wanderers beat Howe of Fife again in the final, this time 40-10. The The whole afternoon was a test of stamina for all the teams as the wet weather left Mansfield Park very soft. On their way to the final Hawick Wanderers beat Jed Thistle, Musselburgh Colts, and Gala Wanderers.
Under-17s beat French
Tuesday, 15-Apr-2008Scotland under-17s made it two wins from three at the Millfield International Festival as they defeated a strong and physical French side 20-11 in Somerset on Saturday.
The French got off to a good start with a penalty in the first minute and continued to dominate the first half with typical aggression and physicality combined with good handling and fine offloads.
The turning point for Scotland came when stand-off Gregor Hunter (Gala Wanderers) showed good vision to chip the ball into the opposition 22.
The exposed French full back was quickly turned over and the Scots moved the ball to Grant Sommerville (George Watson's College) who scored his third try of the tournament. Hunter stepped up to slot the conversion on the stroke of half-time.
Scotland started the second half well and a penalty from the boot of Hunter extended the Scots lead to 10-3.
France Then fought back to lead 11-10, but soon quick ball form consecutive rucks at opposite sides of the pitch scattered the French defence until third phase ball found inside centre Courtenay Morrison (Dollar Academy) who scored
Duncan Weir (Cambuslang) converted to make it 17-11 before sealing the match with a penalty kick three minutes from time.
Haddington win in Prestonpans
Monday, 14-Apr-2008Haddington won the Preston Lodge Sevens Trophy on Saturday after narrowly defeating Premiership Division Two rivals Musselburgh by 33-31 in an all East Lothian final.
At half time, the final looked to be a one-sided affair as Musselburgh had struggled to win much quality possession and Haddington, with Calum Mack running their show, had taken a big lead despite losing an early try. The tables were turned in the second half though as Musselburgh gained the upper hand and gradually chipped away to reduce the deficit. Andy Grodzynski was instrumental in creating many of the openings and he was rewarded for his efforts by being named Player of the Tournament by the glamorous Preston Lodge Ladies who were sponsoring the event. Both teams ended up scoring five tries each but the final kick of the game was a Musselburgh conversion that would have tied the scores. Unfortunately, it drifted just wide allowing Haddington to take the trophy.
Great weekend in Melrose
Monday, 14-Apr-2008The Scottish Thistles, effectively the Scotland Sevens squad, took the main prize at the 125th Mathon Melrose Sevens on Saturday evening to cap a great weekend of action.
The Scots defeated Leicester Tigers 33-12 in the final in front of over 12,000 spectators at The Greenyards with Edinburgh’s Ali Warnock scoring two tries.
The under-16 boys event was played on Friday with the final on Saturday just before the main final. Boroughmuir and Northern, from Newcastle, managed to put on a great show despite their nerves in front of a big crowd. The Edinburgh side eventually won 10-5.
Meanwhile, on Friday evening Ulster won the veterans event, defeating Border Reivers in a wet, but highly competitive, final.
Finally, Melrose won the women’s event with an impressive win over Kirkcaldy in the final.
The SCRUM was in Melrose for all three days of the extended event. Thanks to everyone who came to visit us and signed up for the magazine. If you have any good photos from the weekend please email them to gary@scrummagazine.com
Melrose gearing up for main event
Friday, 11-Apr-2008After the veterans, women’s and youth events over the last couple of days the 125th Mathon Melrose Sevens takes place tomorrow.
The SCRUM trailer will be there and you can pick up copies of the magazine for £1, all donations going to Hearts & Balls rugby charity. We look forward to seeing you there!
125th Mathon Melrose Sevens draw: Langholm v Currie (winners v Scottish Thistles), Dundee HSFP v Gala (winners v Roma), Watsonians v West of Scotland (winners v Ulster), Peebles v Edinburgh Accies (winners v Gold Coast Breakers), Kelso v Heriots (winners v Leicester Tigers), Jed-Forest v Hawick (winners v Chinese Agricultural University), Glasgow Hawks v Melrose (winners v Selkirk), Ayr v Boroughmuir (winners v Shimlas).
PL Sevens draw
Frisday, 11-Apr-2008The Preston Lodge Sevens take place at Pennypit tomorrow.
PL Sevens Draw: Boroughmuir v Edinburgh Accies, Musselburgh v Edinburgh Northern, Portobello v Edinburgh University, Preston Lodge v Ross High, North Berwick v Rodent Barbarians, Murrayfield Wanderers v Inverleith, Haddington v Dunfermline, Lismore v Dunbar.
Edinburgh sign off with win
Thursday, 10-Apr-2008Edinburgh completed their under-16 District Championship programme with a 22-17 victory over Caledonia at Dalziel.
For long periods Edinburgh were in control of the game but were never able to kill off a battling Caledonia side who always came back at Edinburgh and deservedly registered their third try on the full time whistle.
Playing against the wind Edinburgh opened up a 10-0 lead through tries by Fraser Gillies and Lawrie Seydak before Richard Murdoch pounced on a loose ball behind the Edinburgh try line to give Caledonia some hope just before the interval.
Caledonia started the second half strongly and were rewarded with a try from left wing Declan Ferry to level the score at 10 each. Edinburgh regained control and opened up a twelve point lead through a Ben Johnstone try from a line-out catch and drive and a Guy Skivington-Jones try after good handling had sent Cameron Roscoe through a midfield gap before finding the supporting Merchiston centre with the scoring pass.
On a bad day for goal kickers Fraser Gillies was able to land one conversion, noteworthy because the ball fell over in this run up but he reacted quickly and showed great composure in the face of the onrushing Caledonia players, to pick up the ball and pop over a drop kick from wide on the right.
Edinburgh remained in charge until late in the game when Caledonia pressure led to Ryan Hood powering over from close range, allowing Jamie Urquhart to convert and make the final score 22-17 in Edinburgh's favour.
Police cop it from women
Thursday, 10-Apr-2008Scotland Women's development squad struck back to defeat a British Police select 22-7 at Meggetland.
Despite going 7-0 down in the early stages the development squad answered with a brace from right wing, Katy Green, and tries from Alex Pratt, Lynsey Harley and Hayley Legg to beat the experienced British Police squad.
Scotland Women’s Development Head Coach Jules Murciano, said: "We were rewarded with a try through some close in phase play then some slick handling through the back line.
"We competed aggressively in the breakdowns turning over ball. A united team effort resulted in a solid defence and some exciting attacking play."
Forrester’s new clubhouse news
Wednesday, 09-Apr-2008This Saturday will see the last use of the "old" clubhouse at Forrester before the shutdown and move to the new premises within the campus grounds at Broomhouse.
The Edinburgh club will be closed for business for four days from Sunday 13 and open at the South Gyle Access site on Thursday, April 17.
Semi draws made
Wednesday, 09-Apr-2008Watsonians are to host Melrose in a cracking Scottish Hydro Electric Cup semi-final.
The winner of the Ayr-Heriot’s match will face a home tie against Jed-Forest in the other semi.
The draw was made at Murrayfield on Tuesday by Edinburgh Rugby head coach Andy Robinson and club captain Simon Cross.
Ties are to be played on April 19.
Scotland Hydro Electric Cup semi-finals
Watsonians v Melrose
Ayr or Heriot’s v Jed-Forest
Scotland Hydro Electric Shield semi finals
Garnock v Ardrossan Academicals
Hawick YM or Kirkcaldy v RHC
Scotland Hydro Electric Bowl semi finals
Linlithgow v Dalziel
Caithness v Preston Lodge FP
Scotland Hydro Electric Plate semi finals
Portobello FP v Clydebank
Aberdeen University v GHK
Kirsty’s big night at Firhill
Tuesday, 08-Apr-2008Oban Lorne have booked a 53 seat bus for a trip to Glasgow on Friday.
There will be a training session for the kids followed by the Glasgow-Edinburgh Magners League game at Firhill.
Kirsty Gillies from the junior girls team has been selected as the Oban Lorne mascot for this match and will run out with the players before kick-off.
Wanderers win ‘Quins Sevens
Tuesday, 08-Apr-2008Hawick Wanderers won the 50th Kelso Harlequins Sevens and become the first name on the new Jock Todd Cup.
They were also the last name on the old cup as last season's winners. It was also their second victory in successive Saturdays over Melrose Wasps, as the Wanderers beat them 27-10 in an exciting final. The Wanderers beat Selkirk Youth Club in the opening tie 27-0, Jed Thistle 22-7 in the second round and they saw off the semi final challenge of Haddington 38- 5.
Hawick looking for Melrose scalp in cup
Monday, 07-Apr-2008Melrose defeated Hawick in the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup quarter-final on Saturday, outscoring their hosts at Mansfield Park by four tries to three.
Craig Chamers men won 34-17 and are joined in the last four by Watsonians, who saw off the challenge of Biggar 29-10, and Jed-Forest.
Jed beat Haddington 11-10 in a thriller in East Lothian, leaving them as the only side from outside the top flight still gunning for the top prize.
Ayr beat Currie in a round six match and will now face Heriot’s in the quarter-finals at Millbrae. It has been mooted that this tie is to be played on Thursday evening, we will confirm this for you when we find out.
In the Scottish Hydro Electric National Shield the semi-final line-up includes RHC Cougars, who fought back from 8-6 down at the break to beat Irvine, along with Garnock, Ardrossan Accies and Hawick YM or Kirkcaldy.
In the Scottish Hydro Electric National Bowl Preston Lodge thumped Loch Lomond 52-12 on Saturday and are joined in the semis by Linlithgow, Caithness and Dalziel who all won at the weekend.
Finally, after weekend victories Portobello, GHK, Clydebank and Aberdeen University are into the last four of the Scottish Hydro Electric National Plate.
The draw for the next round of all the competitions takes place tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Cartha Queens Park have been relegated from Premiership Division Two after Musselburgh stayed up by beating Hillhead/Jordanhill 30-19 on Saturday.
Boroughmuir take Haddington Sevens title as Heriot’s win in Gala
Monday, 07-Apr-2008Boroughmuir won the Haddington Sevens on Saturday, defeating Peebles in the final.
Despite the snow showers throughout the afternoon the event was a great success. Boroughmuir beat Edinburgh Accies in the last four, while Peebles defeated Watsonians.
The ‘Muir seven was too strong for the Borderers in the final with the likes of Angus Martyn and Charlie Keenan excelling.
Meanwhile, on Sunday Heriot’s got the spring King of the Sevens off to a great start with a win at the 116th Gala Sevens.
They defeated Watsonians in an all-Edinburgh final.
Hawick looking for Melrose scalp in cup
Friday, 04-Apr-2008Hawick take on Borders rivals Melrose in Saturday’s pick of the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup ties.
The quarter-final at Mansfield Park should be a good match with Hawick having resting a number of first team players last weekend and Melrose having been in great form of late.
The main man for the visitors could be Australian full-back Jordan Macey and Hawick will be relieved that Mark Robertson is ineligible and John Dalziel is suspended.
In the other quarter-finals Premiership Division Two sides Haddington and Jed meet in East Lothian at 1pm ahead of Haddington’s sevens event later that day.
Biggar will be looking to bounce back from missing out on promotion to the top flight last week when they travel to Myreside to face in-form Watsonians. With two big packs set to battle it out it will be interesting to see how much ball flying wingers Rohan Steyl (Watsonians) and Craig Parker (Biggar) get during the afternoon.
In the one last sixteen match to be played Ayr host Currie. The winner will play Heriot’s
Sevens back
Friday, 04-Apr-2008The Haddington Sevens kicks thing off on Saturday, the event taking place after the club’s cup match at 1pm.
Meanwhile, the 116th Gala Sevens takes place on Sunday as the King of the Sevens tournament resumes.
The full draw for Gala is as follows, first tie at 1.30pm: Melrose v Dundee, Watsonians v Jed-Forest, Edinburgh Accies v Cartha Queens Park, Hamilton v Selkirk, Gala v Berwick, Langholm v Heriots, Kelso v Peebles, Haddington v Hawick
Baa Baas name side for Accies
Friday, 04-Apr-2008The Barbarians have invited players from nine nations to represent the c lub in the match to celebrate the 150th anniversary season of Edinburgh Academicals at Raeburn Place on Wednesday, April 9 (kick-off 6pm).
Among the eight capped players in the squad of 22 are Scotland's Gordon Bulloch and his fellow 2001 Lion, Tyrone Howe. The Club has also invited rising stars from the recent Six Nations under-20 tournament including England's Rob Miller and Dan Norton and Scotland's Ross Samson.
Club president Micky Steele-Bodger said, "As a club we are proud to have been invited by Edinburgh Academicals and we are delighted to be able to accept the honour. It is a great achievement to have reached this milestone of 150 years of rugby and congratulations to the Accies on having done so."
The Barbarians will be coached by one of Scotland's all-time greats, John Jeffrey, who played for the Baa-Baas on eight occasions and is now a Club committee man.
Tickets for the match are available from www.edinburghrugby.org and the ticket hotline on 0131 346 5180
Barbarians team: Stuart Moffat (Viadana & Scotland); Tyrone Howe (Banbridge & Ireland), Matt Allen (Bedford Blues), Nick Macleod (Cardiff Blues), Craig Morgan (Bristol Rugby & Wales); *Rob Miller (Newcastle Falcons), *Nick Runciman (Worcester Warriors); Dorian Williams (London Welsh), *Gordon Bulloch (West of Scotland & Scotland), Nigel Hall (Nottingham), Jon Phillips (Bedford Blues), *Peter Sidoli (Newport Gwent Dragons), *Tammas McVie (Heriot's), Gavin Quinnell (Worcester Warriors), *Genaro Fessia (Sale Sharks & Argentina)
Replacements: *Andrea Moretti (Viadana & Italy), Ngalu Tau (Doncaster Knights & Tonga), Craig Hammond (Nottingham), Ledua Jope (Army & Fiji), *Ross Samson (Newcastle Falcons), *Ross Blake (Cambridge University), Dan Norton (Gloucester Rugby)
[* - denotes new Barbarian]
Old crocks new date announced
Thursday, 03-Apr-2008The Edinburgh Old Crocks over-35 Charity Tournament, postponed late last year, is to take place at Edinburgh Accies’ Raeburn Place ground on Sunday, April 13.
Two round-robin groups of three XV-a-side teams will be playing 10 minutes each way, with the two group winners contesting the final over 15 minutes each way for the trophy.
Ayrshire final
Thursday, 03-Apr-2008Next Wednesday Night at Millbrae sees the Ayrshire under-18 Development Cup Final when Marr College's Development XV take on the first XV from Carrick Academy.
Please try and get along to Ayr to support the match which should be a cracker given two excellent games already between the sides.
The Marr side will essentially be next year’s College first XV so this is a chance to see the younger talent coming through.
A spokesman said: “The rugby work that has been done at Carrick over the last couple of years has been fantastic and is a shining example of what can be done at a school where rugby has not been the number one sport.”
The match starts at 7pm.
Wandies lift trophy
Wednesday, 02-Apr-2008Murrayfield Wanderers have been crowned ladies league champions.
Lucy Millard from the club told The SCRUM: “This year’s squad is the youngest one we've had since I've been involved, and there's a great team spirit which I think has spurred us on to winning. We also have healthy competition for places which has also helped get the best out of the players.”
Baird honoured by sevens role
Wednesday, 02-Apr-2008Scottish Rugby is proud to announce the appointment of Roger Baird as the Event Ambassador for the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens which is being held at Murrayfield on Saturday, May31/Sunday, June 1 as the climax to the IRB World Series.
Following in the footsteps of former Scotland team mate Andy Irvine, who was the 2007 Emirates Airline ambassador, Baird said: “Sevens is the ideal springboard for the stars of tomorrow. It allows players freedom of expression in a game that demands huge levels of skill, fitness and guts.
“I’m honoured to be an ambassador for the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens and look forward to watching some outstanding rugby.”
It was while playing scrum-half for the Scottish Schools that his talents were first recognised and he was selected to play for the full Kelso sevens team while still at Merchiston Castle School. He collected a Melrose Sevens winner’s medal at the tender age of 17. He went on to play for Scotland and the British Lions.
Strollers after players
Tuesday, 01-Apr-2008Aberdeen Strollers RFC are on the lookout for players aged over 35 to join them for games and festivals.
They have a busy schedule ahead of the European Golden Oldies Festival taking place in June in Madeira ( www.madeiraegorfegorf2008.com ) and their participation in the World Festival being staged in Edinburgh in September ( www.goldenoldiessports.com )
Anyone interested in playing local Games for the Strollers or joining them at these Golden Oldies Festivals,should contact Strollers President - Dave McDonald ( mcgoldiego@hotmail.com )
Aaron gives shirt to club
Tuesday, 01-Apr-2008Berwick’s continuing production line of international players continued to roll on with a presentation to the club at the last pre-match luncheon of the season.
Over 162 sponsors, suppliers and diners saw Aaron Hall from Belford, Northumberland presenting his first England shirt to club president Kim Drysdale for display in the clubhouse.
"In recent years Berwick players have gone on to get international caps mostly on the Scottish side of the border the latest being Gavin Kerr and Craig Smith," said club Press officer Steve Newman.
"Also, young players such as James King, Andrew Skeen and Max Learmonth (currently representing Scotland in the under-18 Six Nations at Cork) are also making a name for themselves. However Aaron is the first England international we have had for some time and everyone at the club wishes him well."