SRU Rugby Plate U18 Final 2011

Glenalmond College v High School of Glasgow

Won 26-6

On a sunny evening at Murrayfield, Glenalmond produced a solid performance to secure the Brewin Dolphin Plate. High School started quickly and had Coll on the back foot right from the kick off. However Man of the Match Charlie Winton (P) intercepted a floated pass from the High school ten and raced 80 metres to score under the posts which certainly settled any nerves. Coll then really began to assert authority on the game and looked threatening throughout the remaining part of the first half. High School certainly brought a physical approach to the game but as has been evident for large parts of the year, when quick ball was generated, Coll really proved difficult to contain. A typically flowing Glenalmond passage of play saw several phases with real width. The High School defensive line was pulled around effectively creating space for George Smith (G) to score a well taken try. As half time approached and the pressure mounted on High School, Charlie Winton scored a dazzling individual try. A dummy and several side steps saw him evade four would-be tacklers as he waltzed in under the posts to seize a 19-0 half time lead.

The game however was definitely a tale of two halves and as much an influence as the attack had on the first half, the defensive work rate and organisation really came to the fore in the second. High school fought back well and in a much more stop-start affair the defensive effort certainly deserves recognition. Although having much possession and territory High School rarely threatened the try line and only secured two penalties for their efforts. As the game drew to a close Glenalmond managed to create an excellent try for Will Straengh(S). The ball was once again moved quickly and Will proved far too powerful for his opposite man and evaded two more tacklers to crash over in the corner. Fenton (R) added the conversion from the touch line to put the icing on the cake. This was a fantastic effort from the boys and they deserve much credit for their performances in this tournament.

Huw Thomas (Coach)

Although not a vintage performance there was a huge amount to be proud of today. The boys tried to play rugby and scored some excellent first half tries. The second half was more a war of attrition and our defensive structure and organisation deserves much credit. This has been a great way to finish the season and with 15 of the match day 22 back next year it certainly bodes well for the future. This tournament has been a great swan song for some of the upper sixth but also an important method of developing some of the youngsters. The back line was really impressive today and Charlie deserves real credit for the manner in which he is managing our play at the moment and his second try was class. In all, a great way to finish off the season.

Tries: Winton x 2; Smith; Straengh

Cons: Fenton x 3