Photo: Scottish Rugby
George Watson’s College produced a clinical and composed performance to defeat Strathallan School 33–21 and lift the U18 Boys’ Schools Cup, pulling away decisively in the final half hour to secure the silverware.
With the match finely balanced early on, Watson’s showed their intent when a penalty was kicked into the left corner, allowing the forward pack to take control. Second row Oliver Richardson powered over from close range to open the scoring.
Moments later, the Edinburgh side struck again in spectacular fashion. Ewan Johnston intercepted a loose pass deep in his own half and sprinted the length of the right touchline to score, with Angus Robson adding the conversion to extend the lead.
Strathallan responded before the break through Jasper Fichtner-Irvine, cutting the deficit to 12–7 at half-time, and briefly took the lead early in the second half when Matthew Herbert forced his way over, converted by Finlay Anderson.
However, that was as close as Strathallan would come.
Watson’s immediately regained control as Matthew Denham finished in the left corner following a well-executed restart, Robson once again impressive from the tee. From there, momentum firmly belonged to the Myreside side.
Rory Tait capitalised on a misfiring Strathallan lineout to race in under the posts, before Lewis King added another moments later after Robson burst through the midfield to create the opportunity. Luca Anderson converted to stretch the lead to a commanding margin.
Although Strathallan crossed late through Rory Dunn, Watson’s calmly closed out the contest to seal a deserved 33–21 victory and the national title.
The performance capped an outstanding campaign for George Watson’s College, whose blend of physical forward play, clinical finishing, and tactical discipline proved decisive on the biggest stage.
Luca Anderson was named Player of the Match for his influential contribution in guiding Watson’s through the second half.
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