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This was certainly a game that had two distinct periods. Playing in to a gale force wind in the first half, Coll were always going to find the first half challenging against a physical Gordon's side. Coll played sensible rugby for much of the first half only to concede two soft tries. One, straight after a long injury break for Winnington- Ingram (G), who had to leave the field due to a knee injury. Turning around at 12-0 down, Coll produced a scintillating twenty minute period that turned the game on its head. Tries from Fenton (R), Carmichael (P) and Straengh (S) saw Coll take the lead. The controversial sin binning of Captain Fenton saw the game take another twist and with the rub of the green definitely in the favour of Gordon's, they clawed a try back to leave the game at 19-17 going in to the last few minutes. Another penalty was awarded to Gordon's, which was converted with little time remaining to see a deserved victory for Coll snatched away at the end.
Huw Thomas (Coach)
This was an emotional send off for the Upper sixth who have been wonderful ambassadors for the College over the last five years. This team has played some fantastic rugby over the season and will be remembered for playing an attractive, high tempo brand of rugby that has entertained all. They have had a real crack at some of the big boys and certainly deserved more from today's game. I was hugely proud of the boys once more today.
Tries Fenton, Straengh, Carmichael
Cons Fenton x 2
After the long trip North it was always going to prove a challenge to take on a committed Gordonstoun side in their own backyard. After a solid start we let Gordonstoun escape up the short side to take the lead against the run of play. Coll came roaring back and with a real tempo and cutting edge to their attack, took a 17-5 lead midway through the first half. Coll continued to play some expansive and attractive rugby that was very pleasing on the eye. Two more impressive tries from Wainwright (S) and Captain Fenton (R) saw the half time lead stretched to 29-5. The second half was certainly a physical affair as Gordonstoun made every effort to stem the flow of quick ball for the impressive Coll back line. Coll continued to work hard and created three more tries from the Skipper, Horne (P) and the notable Robertson (P).
Huw Thomas (Coach)
The challenge today was to back up Saturday's performance and impose our style of rugby away from home. In patches today we were at our very best with some excellent handling and incisive running. In other areas we were sloppy and perhaps defensively we were exposed on two or three occasions which was disappointing. However to win so convincingly away from home, against a physical and committed side has to be a real positive.
Tries Fenton x 2; Robertson x 2; Macleod; Carmichael; Horne; Wainwright
Cons Fenton x 5
Saturday November 12th
| TEAM | OPPONENTS | RESULT | SCORE | REPORT |
| 1st XV | MERCHISTON | Lost | 10-21 | Another nearly story against one of the big guns! Once again Glenalmond proved their ability to mix it with the big boys. With the odds against them the XV produced a stirring performance that rocked Merchiston for large parts of the game. The visitors started the game with a real sense of purpose and an intensity that put Coll on the back foot. Caught in the headlights a little, the XV found themselves 14-0 down with only ten minutes of the match gone and only an improving defence managed to prevent further scores from the cup semi finalists in the first period. As the half developed and Coll grew in confidence, the game began to become a more even affair and it would only be fair to say that Coll finished the half pressing Merchiston in a more composed period of play. The second half however was dominated by Coll. The territory and possession stats were all in our favour and only heroic Merchiston defending kept us at bay. Wave after wave battered the line and gradually Coll began to exert more and more pressure. A Fenton (R) penalty followed by a surging try from Straengh(S) took us in to a grandstand finish. With ten minutes remaining Glenalmond were pressing for the win. With the game moving to a close Merchiston broke out from defence and scored an excellent individual try to finish any lingering hopes of a famous win. The score line doesn't reflect what was an excellent contest and a fine performance from Coll. |
| Huw Thomas (Coach) | ||||
|
I was very proud of the boys' performance today. To be able to compete and give Merchiston a fright is testament to a lot of hard work and a real determination from the boys. Had we squeezed over in the last five minutes or so I don't think anyone would have begrudged us the win. We still need to play for 70 mins at the top level but on the whole I am really pleased with the performance. We wish Merchiston the best of luck in the Cup Semi Final on Thursday and are very much looking forward to our trip North to face Gordonstoun. Tries Cons Fenton; Pen Fenton | ||||
| 2nd XV | Merchiston | Lost | 07-10 | Having clung on to a 7-0 lead for most of the match on a stamina-sapping swamp, we tired towards the end to lose the match with the final kick of the game. |
| 3rd XV | GEORGE WATSONS | |||
| U16 A XV | Merchiston | Won | 17-5 | Fantastic! An immense display from the team, in what were very difficult conditions. The boys dominated throughout and produced an impressive all round display. This was thoroughly deserved after an excellent weeks training and is a real boost for the team in what has been a difficult season so far. |
| U16 B XV | GEORGE WATSONS | |||
| U15 A XV | ||||
| U15 B XV | ||||
| U14 A XV | MERCHISTON | Won | 18-12 | A superb performance and an outstanding result; the U.14 A XV played to their full potential to achieve an historic 18-12 win away at Merchiston. This victory was richly deserved; the midfield defence impressed and put Merchiston under pressure on their own ball; the tackling was magnificent and the creative flair and variety shown in attack was a delight to see. The ultimate team performance and the best result from a Glenalmond U.14 team for several years. A magnificent and memorable day. |
With the defeat to Strathallan still a stark reminder of the need to front up physically - Coll made the trip to Edinburgh to take on Fettes. The first period of the game was error filled as two nervous sides went about the customary procedure of testing each other out. Neither side really threatened until Fettes squeezed over in the corner. Coll struck back soon after with an excellent period of pressure resulting in an overlap being created for Simon Carmichael (P) to dive over. Kai Horne(P) adding the conversion to draw the sides level. For the next 30 minutes or so Fettes took control of the game. Dominating the breakdown and playing with a real intensity. With only 15 minutes remaining Fettes had established a 17-7 lead and looked set to take the spoils. However, a truly remarkable last fifteen minutes showed Coll at their best. A sudden urgency led to a real tempo to the Coll attack. Three excellent tries were scored, the last deep in to injury time to seal a fantastic victory. Having been on the receiving end at Dollar - the result showed great character.
Huw Thomas (Coach)
For 55 minutes today we were poor. The same shortcomings that haunted us against Strathallan surfaced and we were second best. Fettes played well today and deserved more from the game. The last fifteen minutes did however show how capable we can be. Huge relief to gain the win but much to do before we take on Merchiston next week.
Tries Carmichael, Macleod x 2, Horne, Straengh
Cons Fenton
|
TEAM |
OPPONENTS |
RESULT |
SCORE |
REPORT |
|
1st XV |
FETTES |
Won |
24-20 |
The same shortcomings that haunted us against Strathallan surfaced and we were second best. Fettes played well today and deserved more from the game. The last fifteen minutes did however show how capable we can be. Huge relief to gain the win but much to do before we take on Merchiston next week. |
|
2nd XV |
FETTES |
Lost |
0-3 |
In a very close game where we had more of the pressure, we made crucial mistakes at key moments. We made chances which we then failed to take, where Fettes capitalised on their only scoring opportunity. |
|
3rd XV |
FETTES |
|||
|
U16 A XV |
FETTES |
Lost |
0-31 |
The score line does not reflect the team’s performance against a strong and physical Fettes side, who were pinned back in their half for large periods of the game. There was a noticeable improvement at the breakdown and the team did not take a backward step throughout, which was very encouraging. |
|
U14 B XV |
FETTES |
Draw |
0-0 |
With Glenalmond’s attacks being repeatedly repelled by Fettes’ defence, we broke through only once. We were awarded a penalty in the second half but missed, leaving the final result as a 0-0 draw.
|
The two and half week gap since defeat to Strathallan proved to be a healthy one. The disappointment and hurt certainly provoked a response and for the first 15 minutes, the much bigger Howe outfit were left chasing shadows as Coll made an impressive start. Pace and power at the breakdown coupled with some cutting lines from the back division proved to be too much for Howe as Coll rattled up a 17-0 lead early on. The Howe side grew in to the game and certainly proved to be a force in the second half, but by this time the damage had been done. An excellent hit out after a break which hopefully blew away the cobwebs before our trip to Fettes on Saturday.
Huw Thomas (Coach)
The boys really responded well to our recent defeat and went about their business with a real intensity and commitment tonight. Some of the rugby in the first period was scintillating and will hopefully give us a confidence boost ahead of Saturday. The backs looked a threat all evening and although the game became a little disjointed in the second half - I was really pleased with the performance.
Tries Straengh x2, Horne, Macleod, Winton
Cons Fenton X 2
Saturday October 15th
The much anticipated local derby never really reached the heights on Saturday. In a very scrappy and at times stop start affair, Strathallan very much deserved victory. They brought an intensity to the match that Coll failed to handle and in their number 10 (or was it 100), they had the outstanding player on the pitch. He controlled the tempo of the game and kicked several excellent penalties to take the game out of reach. Glenalmond battled hard but were never really at the races today.
Huw Thomas (Coach)
All credit to Strath - they were the better side today and thoroughly deserved victory. Their physicality and game management proved to be too good for us. In many respects it was a disappointing performance from us - we didn't start well and weren't able to match their hunger and determination. A tough day at the office and one that we must learn from in the coming weeks. The fixture list doesn't get any easier and we will have to respond with a much improved performance against Fettes next time out.
Tries Fenton Cons Fenton
A significant amount of this match, and indeed the vast majority of the second half, was spent defending inside our own half. Strathallan fought back well and dominated both possession and territory after the interval but our first half accumulation of 15 points set up another hard fought for and pleasing victory by 18-7. The boys deserve a rest now after a demanding first half of term which has seen four consecutive wins over Madras, Dollar, Watson's and Strathallan.
As Strathallan arrived and I saw the size of their players I thought we had lost before the game had begun. We scored first and then a period of scrappy forward dominated play developed with Strathallan equalising. With another try from both teams the score was 10-10 but then Robbie Winton stepped up to slot over a penalty. Strathallan came back strongly but could not break through our defensive line - a victory for Glenalmond
|
October 8th George Watsons v Glenalmond College 5 -5 draw
Keen to avenge the loss at Dollar, Coll travelled to Myerside full of confidence to take on another one of the powerhouses of the Scottish game. On a wet morning in Edinburgh, Coll started with an impressive air of confidence and composure and dominated much of the first half. Several chances were wasted but credit to Watsons who were as powerful as ever. The highlight of the first half was another scintillating try from Fenton who seized upon a big blind side from scum ball and tore away from the Watsons defense to score another memorable try. Watsons started the second half well and their pack started to control proceedings. The Glenalmond defensive line held firm for large periods until a smart cross kick was gathered to bring the sides level. Coll came right back and really pressed for the win in the last ten minutes only to come up short. Huw Thomas (Coach)
Tries: Fenton | |
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Saturday 24 September
Sometimes sport can be cruel and today was certainly one of those days. Glenalmond produced a strong performance against one of the powerhouses of Scottish schools rugby and had a famous victory snatched away at the death. Dollar deserve credit for their determination and commitment throughout but in reality Coll should have emerged victorious. Dollar started the game well and took an early 8-0 lead after a penalty and a well worked try from a powerful catch and drive from a line out. Glenalmond then struck back and went on to control the remainder of the first half. After a concerted period of pressure Winnington - Ingram (G) crashed over and this was followed soon after by an excellent set piece move which started inside the Coll half and was superbly finished by Straengh (S), who beat several defenders on his run to the try line. The second half started in much the same fashion and Fenton (R )once again scored an excellent individual try taking Coll in to a 21-8 lead. In the remaining 20 minutes Dollar were allowed to generate momentum and Coll were prevented from maintaining possession. The powerful Dollar line out continued to cause problems and resulted in two more tries. There are many positives to be taken from this performance. The fixture list doesn't get an easier, but there was much to be proud of on Saturday.
Huw Thomas (Coach)
Several emotions spring to mind when reflecting on today's performance - Pride, disappointment and frustration to name a few. The boys deserve huge credit for their performance and can take a lot from the game. The positives far outweigh the negatives and in many respects the boys didn't do much wrong. There are a few areas of game management that we need to address before Watson's but on the whole, yesterday was a strong performance and unfortunately the result didn't really reflect the balance of power in the game.
Tries Straengh Cons Fenton x 3
Fenton
Winnington-Ingram
Saturday 24th September
| Team | Opponents | Result | Score | Report |
| 1st XV | Dollar | Lost | 22-21 | Glenalmond produced a strong performance and had a famous victory snatched away at the death. Dollar deserve credit for their determination and commitment throughout but in reality Coll should have emerged victorious. |
| 2nd XV | Dollar | Win | 22-0 | Glenalmond played the game with an intensity that Dollar couldn't match, scoring four tries without reply. |
| 3rd XV | George Watson's | Win | 15-14 | Tight game won with determination and a great forward display. |
| U16A XV | Dollar | Lost | 37-17 | Spirits were high going into the game against Dollar. However, the Glenalmond team struggled to gain any control of the game, although there were some good individual performances. |
| U15A XV | Dollar | Lost | 13-24 | After a good start, a few lapses in the Glenalmond defence was the difference between the two sides in a very competitive match. |
| U14A XV | Dollar | Win | 17-7 | Glenalmond took an early lead and Dollar fought back, but we finished strongly with a third try to secure a home win. |
| U14B XV | Dollar | Win | 21-0 | After a shaky start Glenalmond scored, and at half time the match could have gone either way. Glenalmond tackled ferociously, repelling the Dollar back line and ended with an excellent win. |
Saturday 17 September
Win 47-3
On a wet afternoon at Coll, Glenalmond entertained a spirited Madras outfit who had been bolstered by some returning players who had missed the previous weekend. A physical and determined Madras side forced several early errors from the Coll side that were perhaps looking to over complicate in the conditions. This led to an early period of pressure and a successful penalty attempt to leave Coll behind for the second week in succession. In a stop start, error filled first half, Coll certainly dominated the possession but failed to turn this advantage in to points. Two Fenton (R) penalties took Coll in to the lead before a forward-orientated try from Strachan (G) finally allowed Coll to relax a little. The second half was a far more controlled and clinical affair as Coll rattled in another six tries without reply. The forwards deserve much of the plaudits for an excellent foundation and moment of the match must go to Fenton for an outstanding try from 40 metres out.
| Team | Opponents | Result | Score | Report |
| 1st XV | ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL |
Win |
3-74 |
After a slow start, in which we fell behind early, Coll dominated a plucky RHS outfit. With a willingness to play rugby and a really clinical edge in attack, Coll once again played some attractive rugby. Will Straengh(S) stole the headlines with an impressive six tries and once again Charlie Winton(P) pulled the strings from outside half. Huw Thomas (Coach) In slippery conditions we once again managed to impose our style of play on our opponents. With a physical and dynamic approach we played with great tempo and style to score some pleasing tries. The fixture list will get much tougher in the coming weeks, but so far so good! Tries Robertson, Winnington -Ingram, Straengh x 6, Macleod, Fenton, Carmichael, Horne |
| 2nd XV | NORTH BERWICK HIGH SCHOOL |
Lost |
A promising start on only 2 days preparation, which could have been won with a bit more self-discipline. | |
| U16A |
NORTH BERWICK HIGH SCHOOL |
Lost | 7 - 14 |
After a poor start which saw North Berwick score an easy try, Glenalmond showed great determination and spirit to get back into the match. They produced some excellent handling skills in what were difficult conditions resulting in Liam Kirkpatrick scoring an excellent try, however this was not enough as North Berwick showed more stamina and closed out the game after another well worked try. |
| U15A |
NORTH BERWICK HIGH SCHOOL |
Draw | 5 - 5 |
With little match preparation time at the start of term, strong tackling and team spirit gained the well-earned draw against a big, straight running North Berwick team. There were fine performances from open-side Gordon Porter in the loose and Oliver Onslow and Archie Rettie in the line-out. |
|
U14A
|
NORTH BERWICK HIGH SCHOOL |
Lost |
10 - 17 |
Two first half tries from H. Prestige & F. Skinner were encouraging. The XV lacked physical presence in the tackle and at the breakdown; plenty to work on in training this week. |
Glenalmond College 57 v St John's 0, (from Conception, Chile)
The first home game of the season is always eagerly anticipated and with the added spice of a touring side as our opponents, an expectant crowd welcomed Coll on to Neishes for the first time this term. From the start, the foundations laid on tour were obvious. Pace, structure and organisation were evident from the kick off and a willingness to take on the opposition at every opportunity certainly paved the way for a successful start to the season. The experienced midfield of Winton, Carmichael and Macleod (all P) imposed themselves throughout and with Captain Fenton (R) a constant threat, the attacking nature of the Coll side proved too much for our visitors on this opening match of the season.
Huw Thomas (Coach)
I was really pleased with the performance today. The influence of tour was evident for all to see and will hopefully prove to be a real boost for the coming season. We executed well today with the ball in hand and will no doubt continue to improve in the coming weeks. A good start!
Tries Robertson x 2 Cons Horne x 6
Macleod
Winnington -Ingram
Straengh
Fenton x 2
Carmichael x 2
Results Roll-up
| Rugby Results 2011 | ||
| Opponents |
W/L/D |
Score |
| 1st XV | ||
| St Johns, Chile |
W |
57-0 |
| Royal High School |
W |
74-3 |
| Madras |
W |
47-3 |
| Dollar Academy |
L |
21-22 |
| George Watson's |
D |
5-5 |
| Strathallan |
L |
16-7 |
| Howe of Fife |
W |
29-5 |
| Fettes College |
W |
24-20 |
| Merchiston Castle |
L |
10-21 |
| Gordonstoun |
W |
50-5 |
| Edinburgh Academy |
-- |
CANCELLED |
| Robert Gordon's |
L |
20-19 |
| 2nd XV | ||
| North Berwick |
L |
18-22 |
| Stewart's Melville |
W |
53-0 |
| Dollar |
W |
22-0 |
| George Watson's |
L |
17-18 |
| Strathallan |
L |
7-8 |
| Fettes |
L |
0-3 |
| Gordonstoun |
W |
31-10 |
| Edinburgh Academy |
W |
15-5 |
| U18 Plate XV | ||
| Harris |
W |
35-5 |
| Millburn |
L |
11-18 |
| 3rd XV | ||
| George Watson's |
W |
15-14 |
| Strathallan |
W |
36-0 |
| Fettes College |
L |
22-15 |
| Merchiston Castle |
L |
22-7 |
| U16A XV | ||
| Edinburgh Academy |
W |
27-10 |
| Merchiston Castle |
W |
17-5 |
| Fettes College |
L |
31-0 |
| Howe of Fife |
L |
32-17 |
| Strathallan |
L |
27-17 |
| (Plate) Bell Baxters |
L |
42-21 |
| George Watson's |
L |
29-7 |
| Dollar |
L |
37-17 |
| (Plate) Madras College |
W |
33-5 |
| North Berwick |
L |
14-7 |
| U16B XV | ||
| Stewart's Melville |
L |
35-12 |
| George Watson's |
L |
69-0 |
| George Watson's |
L |
40-0 |
| Fettes College |
D |
3-3 |
| Merchiston Castle |
L |
17-7 |
|
U15A XV | ||
| North Berwick |
D |
5-5 |
| Dollar Academy |
L |
13-24 |
| George Watson's |
W |
42-10 |
| Strathallan |
L |
40-7 |
| Fettes College |
L |
0-14 |
| Merchiston Castle |
L |
39-0 |
| Gordonstoun |
L |
12-18 |
| Edinburgh Academy |
L |
64-10 |
|
U15B XV | ||
| Dollar Academy |
L |
22-5 |
| George Watson's |
L |
29-25 |
| Strathallan |
L |
50-19 |
| Fettes College |
L |
29-28 |
|
U14A XV | ||
| North Berwick |
L |
10-17 |
| Madras College |
W |
67-0 |
| Dollar Academy |
W |
17-7 |
| George Watson's |
W |
24-0 |
| Strathallan |
W |
18-7 |
| Fettes College |
W |
19-5 |
| Merchiston Castle |
W |
18-12 |
| Gordonstoun |
W |
48-7 |
| McClaren High School |
W |
39-0 |
| Edinburgh Academy |
W |
38-17 |
| U14B XV | ||
| Dollar Academy |
W |
21-0 |
| Morrison's Academy |
L |
61-0 |
| George Watson's |
L |
15-0 |
| Strathallan |
W |
13-10 |
| Fettes College |
D |
0-0 |
| Merchiston Castle |
L |
21-0 |
| Gordonstoun |
W |
31-5 |
| Edinburgh Academy |
W |
29-0 |
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