On Saturday afternoon, our U16 rugby team charged onto the pitch at Murrayfield Stadium beneath the floodlights of the Main Bowl, cheered on by the ESM community crowded into the stands.
This was our fourth consecutive U16 Schools Cup final, this year playing against an accomplished Merchiston Castle School team.
Within the first 10 minutes of the game, a Merchiston penalty allowed our U16s to get within 10 metres of the posts. Captain Ruaridh Fraser carried two defenders across the line to score the first try, followed by a successful conversion.
Merchiston responded with a try and conversion to tie the game. Before the end of the first half, our team once again worked the ball to Fraser, this time just outside the Merchiston 22. He split the defense, scoring a try directly below the posts, followed by a conversion, ending the half 14-7.
A penalty against us in the second half swayed momentum with Merchiston scoring another try but missing the conversion. A strong push in the final minutes of the game allowed winger Jack Allen to score the team’s third try, followed by another conversion, ending the game 21-12.
ESM U16 coach Jason Hill credited Merchiston for a strong performance, and praised our players for their mental resilience and brilliant teamwork. A huge congratulations to all the players and coaching staff, as well as a thank you to Scottish Rugby for organising. We hope to return next year!
