A leading boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 12-18 in Perthshire, Scotland
On a cold, wintry day at Glenalmond the Cup XV produced a determined and measured performance against a physical and fired-up Dundee outfit. As usual Coll started strongly and with some early width and pace we managed to stretch the Dundee defence and Lochy Robertson (P) crashed over. Dundee came back strongly and spent a concerted period battering the Glenalmond try line. Wave after wave of attack was repelled and with some strong defensive work around the fringes Coll held firm. A big turn over from Freddie Swift under our own posts allowed us to relieve the pressure. Soon after, Glenalmond were back on the attack and after some wonderful inter play up the left hand side of the pitch the ball was moved back in field and George Smith (G) picked an excellent line, stepped round the full back and raced in under the posts to give us a 12-0 lead at half time.
The second half saw a composed performance from Glenalmond. The game was controlled for large parts of this period with variety and astute decision making. Dundee were certainly strong opponents and provided a real physicality to the game. Despite pressure from Dundee the Coll back row were outstanding and totally dominated the breakdown. Frequently turning ball over and forcing penalties. Swift and Russell (both R) in particular proved to be the major difference between the two sides. With quick ball the Glenalmond midfield always looked a threat and after forcing a penalty under the posts Fenton (R) pushed Coll in to a 15-0 lead. Soon after, another period of Glenalmond attack led to a try from Russell. The ball was recycled at pace and having stretched the Dundee defence once again a trademark Russell run saw him crash over. A disciplined final few minutes saw Glenalmond hold out once again preventing any consolation for Dundee.
Huw Thomas (Coach):
This was another fine performance from the boys considering the lack of preparation time. Dundee provided tough opposition but our defence was outstanding and the work on the floor yet again proved the difference. I thought that we managed the second half very well indeed, especially in the face of some fiery opponents. Charlie and Simon (Winton and Carmichael both Patchell's House) in midfield controlled the tempo of the game well and Swift and Russell were exceptional. This was certainly a fitting last game on the Neishes pitch for the Upper Sixth, and the skipper once again proved inspirational.
Tries Robertson Cons Fenton Pens Fenton
Smith
Russell
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