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Perthshire
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Rugby
RESULTS AND REPORTS
1st XV v Edinburgh Academy (A): 17 - 13 (L)
29-11-08
In the penultimate game of the season Glenalmond travelled to the Academy defending an unbeaten 1st XV season. Expectation was high and so were the nerves! Despite an early Bailey penalty, the 1st half was totally dominated by the home team. With a powerful front five and sharp back row, Academy pounded the Coll line and eventually sucked in enough defenders to score on two occasions.
Turning round at half-time with a 3-14 deficit, Glenalmond fought their wounded pride after a lack-lustre beginning. Bailey kicked another penalty, Large scored after an excellent move in midfield, and McCoss nearly crossed after a midfield charge-down. However, with the score remaining at 13-14, Academy slotted a penalty with five minutes remaining. Frantic efforts, without being in good field positions followed, but to no avail.
In the final analysis, Coll were found lacking in intensity and execution against a very powerful and efficient Academy outfit, who deserved their victory.
Scorers:
Tries: Large
Penalties: Bailey (x2)
Conversions: Bailey (1)
2nd XV v Edinburgh Academy (A): 17 - 14 (W)
29-11-08
The 2nd XV started strongly, dominating in the pack and driving up field for an early score by Douglas Meikle with his usual 3 metre stretch. However in the drive the backs had malfunctioned and Academy saw a weakness which they quickly exploited. Our defence, usually so secure, was slow to push up, and we let their strong full-back dance through us. Strong and quick, but all he really offered was an easily read step and our players should have had the experience to read this. We lost a converted try before half time, survived several scares, and then lost Dougie Foster our Captain with a shoulder injury. With another Academy try just after the break things were looking grim. The back line was reshuffled and gradually things turned around. Our extra fitness kicked in, and Marcus Fenton chose the right game to score not only his first ever try for the College, but also his second to snatch victory from impending defeat. A tremendous fight-back.
3rd XV v Edinburgh Academy (A): 15 - 7 (W)29-11-08
It was a much changed side that faced the Academy with Houston missing because of illness, Sinclair-Parry playing at fly-half and Bodie captain at scrum-half. The pack looked strong with Parkhill and Glen starting on the bench but both played their part in the second half. A muddy first half saw Coll ahead largely against the run of play but owing to a well taken try by Page who reached out of the tackle to score.
In the second half we were out numbered but maintained a high tackle rate and with Bullen bursting over under the posts and Anderson converting we looked safe at 12-0. Unfortunately Bullen was injured in scoring and the Academy in their turn broke and scored under the posts. Bullen limped back on but then turned an ankle and it was left for the team with the most character to tough it out.
Coll battered away and Anderson kicked a penalty only slightly helped by the post to give us the cushion that lasted to the final whistle ending the affair at 15-7.
Our thanks go to JAG who again had to referee an away fixture. It was good to see Edward Onslow get a whole game on the wing and every member of the side can feel proud of their contribution to this win. U16 XV v Edinburgh Academy (A): 29 - 12 (W)
29-11-08
The team produced a good first half performance against a strong and hard running opposition. However, weak tackling at the start of the second half allowed the Academy back into the game. In the latter stages, after some fine penalty kicking from Robert Horne, we slowly pulled away for a satisfying win: keeping our 100% season on track.
Tries from F Cox and S Schofield |
Cup XV v George Watson's (H): 3 - 26 (L)
The Cup XV (short of six overage 1st XV players and a late withdrawal of Elliott Hardie in midfield), were beaten by a very competent George Watson's team. Despite the odd foray behind Watson's strong defence, Coll were outplayed in most areas.
The visitors scored 2 tries in each half, demonstrating plenty of power and pace. Their defence looked impregnable and it would be a major surprise not to see them reach their second consecutive final.
For their part, Coll battled valiantly with captain, Freddie Campbell, in outstanding form. Many of the younger players, stepping up a level, gave a good account of themselves.
A good learning experience – best of luck to George Watson's. Will Coll have been beaten in the 4th round by the eventual winners, for the second successive year?
1st XV v Merchiston (H): 13 - 13 (D)
13.11.08
In an excellent contest with both teams showing real intent to play expansive rugby, Glenalmond took an early lead through a Stuart Bailey penalty. Despite being down to 14 players at the end of the first half, Merchiston drove over from close quarters to take a narrow lead into half-time (5-3).
The second period saw Glenalmond reduced to 14 men as a result of a technical infringement by the captain, Freddie Campbell, Merchiston kicking the ensuing penalty and following up with a fine try, fully-exploiting the extra man. With Campbell's return, Coll came roaring back with another Bailey penalty. In the final quarter, Glenalmond raised the intensity and pressure with Sam Macleod, at full-stretch, scoring the vital try. Bailey, with nerves of steel, converted from wide-out. Nothing less than a draw would have been just reward for the character and commitment the 1st XV showed in the final quarter.
Scorers:
Try – Sam Macleod
Conversion – Bailey
Penalties – Bailey (x2)
Junior Colts A XV v Merchiston: 0 - 26 (L)
13-11-08
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It was vital that the Junior Colts made a good start if they were going to compete and challenge for victory in this important home fixture.
Very important lessons have to be learnt by the players from this match; the XV cannot afford to give the ball away so easily; turnover ball was conceded about 10 times and this was crucial to the outcome. More dynamic cover defence is needed and greater cutting edge is needed out wide if we are to score the tries that matter in the big matches. We gave Merchiston a good run for their money in the second half but the athleticism and pace of all of their players contrasted with certain aspects of our play and meant that we had to accept defeat against a most effective team that defended impressively and took its chances when we gave them the chance to move the ball out wide.
Junior Colts B XV v Merchiston: 19 - 4 (L) |
13-11-08
Right from the start the boys went in strongly to win this match knowing that it was going to be a hard game. They made some good tackles and kept the pressure on at the beginning. With several ball handling errors, Merchiston's strong tackling ability and team work caused Coll to lose good opportunities to score. In future matches they need to hang on to the ball longer whilst pushing forwards using mauls and team work to gain ground. The boys continued fighting to win over the ball right down to the last whistle. Well done.
1st XV v Fettes (H): 9 - 6 (W)
8-11-08
In a tense encounter on Neish's, there was never much between the two teams. Glenalmond started the stronger without really breaking the Fettes defence. Pressure eventually told with Davies converting two penalties but Fettes came back strongly in the second quarter and levelled the score by half-time.
The second period was dominated by Glenalmond – opportunities were missed and Fettes defended superbly. With minutes to go Davies slotted his third penalty to give Glenalmond victory in an exciting finale.
Penalties: Davies x3
2nd XV v Fettes (H): 8 - 0 (W)
8-11-08
The 2nd XV had to dig deep to grind out a win from this match. Against a very big side we struggled for territory, and this was not helped by some poor decision–making and gifting far too many penalties. However defensively the play was awesome, and though it creaked at times it never really looked like cracking. The forwards in particular excelled, and some of our bigger boys, Craig Wainwright-Fisher and Harry Chamberlain in particular, had probably their best ever performances. Even the lighter Marcus Wilson, Dougie Foster and Stephen Hems punched well above their weight.
After taking the lead with a penalty as the only score of the first half, we finished the game with a try ground out from close in with repeated pick and drive for an 8-0 victory. It may have been ugly, but it was probably the most rewarding game of the season so far. The only down-side was the fracture of Tom Robertson's ankle. Fortunately the team currently has real strength in depth, and an abundance of alternative leaders.
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4th XV v Fettes (H): 23 - 0 (W)
8-11-08
This was a hard game to win despite Coll playing excellent rugby. The forwards beavered away, as ever led from the front by Angus Bullen who was rewarded for his efforts with the first try. Murdo Nicoll slotted the conversion. Coll then began to look dangerous in the backs with Tristan Doumen getting close to a touchdown but the subsequent move from Glenalmond put him clearly though the posts. Nicoll added the points to make it 14 – 0 at half time.
Glen came on for Jehmlich and Gibson for Sinclair-Parry and the forwards continued to wage war in increasingly greasy conditions and poor light but despite good tackling from Fettes, counter-attacks continued to be launched one of which thrillingly released Page on the right wing. The conversion missed but Nicoll confidently slotted a later penalty to finalise the score at 23 – 0 to Glenalmond.
Colts A XV v Fettes (A): 29 - 14 (W)8-11-08
Still riding high on the back of last week's narrow win over Strathallan, the Colts travelled to Fettes brimming with confidence. From the off Glenalmond dominated the contact area up front with Ambler (P), so pivotal last week, leading the charge once again. Nevertheless, whilst Fettes did ruck well they struggled to distribute the ball wide and with Fenton (R) and Nimmo (P) pressurising their opposition half backs, Fettes opted to keep ball in the forwards and so played to our strengths. Captain Robertson (P) again was awesome at 8, consistently carrying the ball over the gain line and three times over the try line, to bring his season tally to an impressive 13 tries.
Junior Colts A XV v Fettes (A): 41 - 0 (W)8-11-08
After a few days of rain, a highly impressive first half performance saw the Junior Colts defend effectively and attack successfully on a muddy pitch. Opportunities were created and taken and the half-time score board saw a pleasing 29-0 lead. The pitch began to take its toll in the second half but two more tries were scored to secure a most satisfying away win in Edinburgh. Fettes had their moments but never really threatened to score until the final stages of a keenly contested match.
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1st XV v STRATHALLAN (A): 46 - 10 (W)
1-11-08
An encouraging performance against Howe of Fife in midweek swept away the half-term cobwebs but left plenty to resolve for the annual derby against Strathallan.
In excellent playing conditions both teams started the contest with real intensity. Glenalmond dominated the opening quarter scoring a well-worked try. A penalty extended the margin to 10 points before Strathallan struck back with a try from close range, but Glenalmond responded well to score another try before the interval to extend their lead.
In the second period Glenalmond rediscovered the intensity they produced at the start of the game and were superbly marshalled by Adam Dudgeon. Strathallan were disrupted by injury as Glenalmond looked increasingly dangerous with the ball in hand scoring a further five tries in the second half.
Tries: Dudgeon 2; Large 2; McCoss 2; Macleod 1
Conversions : Davies x4
Penalties: Davies x1
2nd XV v STRATHALLAN (A): 12 - 0 (W)
1-11-08
A tremendous move off the training ground gave flanker Tom Brown a 30 metre sprint to the line, converted by Tom Robertson. Shortly afterwards Craig Wainwright-Fisher powered himself across the line from short range. His subsequent departure due to a recurring injury reduced our set-piece options substantially, and some slightly wayward kicking took the pressure off the opposition a little, and we did not maximise use of the real pace of our wings. We also gave away too many penalties in the second half to benefit as fully as we should from our control of the ball-winning. Nevertheless a pleasing away victory.
3rd XV v STRATHALLAN (A): 20 - 0 (W)
1-11-08
This was a good performance against a strong and determined opposition. After two early penalty kick Matthew Potter scored our first try. In the second half we weather a sustained period of Strathallan attack and came back with our second try from George Smith. Once again we tried to run the ball whenever possible and tapped the majority of our penalties.
4th VX v STRATHALLAN (A): 54 - 0 (W)
1-11-08
Probably from the moment when the ball first went down the line and Tristan Doumen from outside centre broke through and ran un-tackled to score with Murdo Nicoll duly converting we realised this could be easier that we had thought. 7-0 up after a few minutes be came 40-0 up at half time. As long as the forwards produced the ball, the back line would take it up with strong running or, as a variation, Murdo would kick the ball deep for the wingers Zander Holt and Ed Onslow to chase. The end result was the same, good territorial positions and a succession of backs crossing to score and with Murdo only missing one conversion chance the score grew rapidly.
Junior Colts A XV v STRATHALLAN (H): 29 - 0 (W)
1-11-08
Building on the momentum gained from the excellent away win at Dollar, the Junior Colts A XV trained well in preparation for the fixture at home to Strathallan. Right from the kick-off, effective unit skills were prominent and the XV made territorial gain and demonstrated effective attacking ability. Although our visitors competed vigorously in all aspects of the game and made some good individual breaks, the Glenalmond boys looked threatening when in the opposition half.
Impressive lines of running created attractive tries for the backs and the forwards supplied plenty of quality possession from line-outs, scrums and in the loose. Leading by 17-0 after a highly charged first half, our line was rarely threatened and we proceeded to score two more tries in a less compelling second half.
In the end a very comfortable victory but the first half was full of cut and thrust from two XV's that battled tenaciously to get the upper hand.
Colts A XV v STRATHALLAN (H): 7 - 5 (W)
1-11-08
Perhaps one of the most tightly fought games I have experienced in my ten year teaching career, Glenalmond got off to a great start dominating early contact. Pressing the well drilled Strath side, Strath held fast and Glenalmond were unable to convert the pressure into points. Strath gained momentum as the game continued and the tide changed about 15 minutes in. Some good kicking from the Strath fly half kept Glenalmond pinned deep in their own twenty-two and the Strath forwards' better body positions at the break down allowed them to recycle the ball more quickly and they produced by far and away the better rugby, eventually breaking through.
Going into half time 5 points adrift, Glenalmond needed to dig deep if they were to but to bed the ghost of last year's 22 – 5 defeat. True to form, the back three of Bodie (G), Fergusson (P) and McPhail (M) all raised their game and Strath were unable to break through their punishing tackles. Resorting to keeping the ball more in the forwards Strath played into our hands and first jumper Wainwright (S), a very bloody Reynolds (P), Captain Robertson (P) and 'Man of the Match' Ambler (P), grappled, rucked and shunted everything, to eventually break through a weary and tired Strath defence, Robertson scoring his tenth try of our six game season. With hearts in our mouths we watched a calm and collected Nimmo (P) slot a very tricky conversion and with 10 minutes still to play cool heads were needed. Strath to their credit gave everything in the dying minutes, throwing all but the kitchen sink at a tired Glenalmond team. Glenalmond pride and dogged determination however shone through and the game finished 7 – 5 in Glenalmond's favour.
Colts B XV v STRATHALLAN (H): 27 - 15 (W)
1-11-08
This was a hotly contested battle that resulted in our first win of the season. The game was played in determined but gentlemanly spirit and both teams should be rewarded for the fact that this was a highly tense and entertaining match. Our pack rucked like demons possessed and, in one now famous incident, they picked and drove some 60 metres up the pitch. Jock Cameron's kicking from hand was spot on and the tackling from the back line was superb, defending as they were in a straight line. John Sampson had a game and a half with a first minute steal and some cutting runs, Alex Watt ran everything and Bruce Leckie pitched in with the tackles. Hugh Rettie's service from the base of rucks and scrummages was excellent as was our captain's sturdy defence. The boys should be rightly proud of their school crest this week: they each earned their shirt. I look forward to Fettes.
1st XV v Howe of Fife (Cup game) (A): 36 - 19 (W)
Following some lack-lustre training after half-term confidence was not high. However, crisp and clear conditions at Cupar offered a great opportunity to kick-start the second half of the season.
Glenalmond conceded their first try of the season when a deflected kick landed in space and gave the hosts an easy score under the posts. Coll bounced straight back with Fergus McCoss scoring under the posts and Gareth Davies kicking a 40m penalty. The half-time margin was extended with an excellent Sam Macleod try (17-7).
Coll started strongly in the second half with a second McCoss try but Howe responded superbly, producing two tries either side of a Campbell score from short range. With the score at 29-19, Howe were still in the contest in the last 10 minutes, before the captain produced a subliminal dummy and ghosted in from between 15-30 metres.
Scorers:
Tries: Campbell 2; Macleod; McCoss 2
Conversions: Davies 4
Penalties: Davies 1
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Girls' Hockey results and reports
Strathallan v Glenalmond 3rd XI: (A) 1 - 0 (L)
1-11-08
This proved to be a very entertaining match. Glenalmond gave away a silly breakaway goal early in the first half. Their captain, Georgina Taylor led by example and worked hard to try and recover. Despite being on the attack for most of the second half we created lots of chances but failed to score.
Fettes v Glenalmond 3rd XI: (A) 1 - 1 (D)
8-11-08
This was a very exciting game. Glenalmond gave away their customary first half goal but Alison Pitts making her debut in goal played extremely well. The game flowed from end to end and Antonia Lambert, playing centre forward, made some telling moves using her obvious pace. Emma Bowman scored the equalising goal with a shot from a tight angle on the right.
1st XI v Dundee High (H): 3 - 1 (W)
4-11-08
Scorers: Sophie Illingworth, Hattie Mellor, Hannah Preston
This was yet another exciting match from start to finish and a confidence boosting performance in the run up to some big matches and cup games. It was in no way a one sided game and a thoroughly convincing performance by our defense, especially in the second half enabled up to capitalise on some goal scoring opportunities.
Our Captain, Sophie Illingworth, led by example converting the first goal for us and at half-time we were 2-0 up. In the second half, Dundee High came back at us with real determination and the combination of Mhairi Laughland and Chelsea Frew allowed little through into the circle. We kept our calm and played our own game, trying to focus more on keeping possession when in attack; an area that is still developing. The final score of 3-1 is an indication that we continue to be on the right track.
Player of the Match was Lydia Nicol
4th and 5th XIs v Fettes
8-11-08
Last weekend we played two very muddy matches away at Fettes.
In the absence of our usual reporters, this is the managerial view. The 4th team allowed two early goals against and, in the conditions, were never going to be able to make that up, despite a huge improvement in the second half. The most memorable part of the match was the large puddle on the pitch.
Result 2 - 0 (L)
Player of the match, Rosanna McCallum.
5th XI
This much changed team went from clear win to clear defeat in a week...the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. To continue the Shakespearean moment, Hey - Ho the wind and the rain.
Result 7 - 0 (L)
Players of the match, Sophie Miller, Tamsin McGlone and Emma Macphie.
Midlands Junior Tournament
The U15 side won the recent Junior Midlands Tournament beating Dollar Academy in the semi final and Strathallan in the final.
The winning streak for the 4th form girl's "A" team continued by winning the trophy for the Midlands tournament. This is the highlight of the hockey season with eleven schools taking part.
Glenalmond won their round-robin section beating the following schools.
Morrison's 2-0
Queen Victoria 4-0
Bell Baxter 2-0
Strathallan 2-0
We then played Dollar in the semi-final and won 1-0.
In the final we had to play Strathallan once again. It was an exciting match which went to extra time. We scored the golden goal and won the tournament.
The girls played some strong, attacking hockey, managing to score plenty of goals in very short matches. Rebecca Wallace was the only 3rd form player in the team and she scored two goals, including the winning goal, playing some very impressive hockey. Kate Squire scored two goals, Olivia Jackson three goals, Alice Onslow two goals and Kirsty Nicoll one goal.
The whole team played well together and were delighted to win the tournament.
Those pictured below were selected to represent Midlands at the U18 District Tournament on Saturday and Sunday 8/9 November at Peffermill, Edinburgh.
1st XI; celebrating the first goal against Strathallan on Saturday November 1st
1st XI v Strathallan (A): 2 - 1 (W)
1-11-08
An outstanding first half of the season left us feeling confident and well prepared for this match. The buzz both on and off the pitch was evident throughout the match and it proved to be one of the most exciting games of the season, leaving us on tenterhooks right up until the last minute. Play was fairly even throughout the first half with both teams having opportunities to convert but Strathallan were the first to capitalise, scoring early on in the first half after some excellent linking play. We were quick to fight back and Sophie Illingworth brought us level by half-time.
At the half-time talk, the girls knew what they had to do and went back onto the pitch with renewed energy. Fitness is one of our strengths and this was no less visible in this game. This, together with an ever growing respect for each other on the pitch and a work rate, on this occasion particularly from our forwards Emily Hunter, Sophie Illingworth, Alice Galbraith and Hattie Mellor, is truly commendable. Emily Hunter's tireless running enabled us to convert in the second half and together with our cohesive defence and midfield we were able to hold off a strong Strathallan side to the final whistle.
Scorers: Sophie Illingworth, Emily Hunter
Players of the Match: Lydia Nicol, Chelsea Frew & Sophie Illingworth
1st XV v DOLLAR (H):6 - 6 (D)
14-10-08
Expectations were high for this midweek contest against Dollar with the 1st XV in buoyant mood following their victory against George Watson's. After a keenly contested first-half there was no score. Dollar were tenacious in the tackle area and powerful at first phase.
In the second period, Glenalmond found some momentum and continuity but Dollar led with a penalty converted from wide-out. Davies replied with a penalty when Glenalmond should have scored a try with space out wide. Minutes before the end Dollar slotted a simple penalty. On the final possession Glenalmond were awarded a penalty 40 metres out and chose to run! Another penalty followed on the 22metre line – Davies maintained his composure to slot the equalizing score.
A very well-contested although error-strewn match.
Penalties: Davies (x2)
3rd XV v Dollar: 19 - 5 (W)
14.10.08
1st XV - George Watson's 24 - 0 (W)
11.9.08
With the Caledonian Independent Schools' Tens being cancelled due to waterlogged pitches, the 1st XV had an extended rest to prepare for one of the toughest challenges of the season.
Although slightly weakened, George Watson's had been on a strong run of form. The first quarter provided an even exchange, before sustained pressure from Glenalmond presented an easy penalty for Stuart Bailey. Coll extended their lead to 10 points at the interval with Bailey diving over from close quarters.
Needing a powerful start to the second half, Glenalmond responded superbly, getting behind the Watson's defence with Davies pouncing on an error for his debut 1st XV try. A fine break from Dudgeon led to Bailey scoring under the posts and following up with a conversion to complete a 100% kicking record.
Tries: Bailey (x2); Davies
Conversions: Bailey (x3)
Penalties: Bailey (x1)
2nd XV v George Watson's College - 22 - 0 (W)
11-10-08
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After a strong start, Glenalmond dominated the match territorially, and seized the occasional opportunities that came their way. Watson's defended strongly, but were lateral in attack due largely to the rapid pressure they were put under. Nudging all the scrums and with Harry Chamberlain & Dougie Meikle dominating the line outs, we should perhaps have made more than we did of the possession. Credit to Watson's for denying us on several occasions but we must also sharpen our ideas and finish more incisively.
Colts A XV v George Watson's College: 34 - 0 (L)11-10-08
A strong George Watson's side halted the Colts unbeaten run, demonstrating how to make ground whilst at the same time avoiding contact. Keeping the ball alive, on an enormous pitch, they outplayed a Glenalmond side who fought stoically until the last. Nevertheless, Watson's dominated and Glenalmond struggled to defend as they romped home to a 34 - 0 victory. Junior Colts A XV v George Watson's College: 35 - 7 (L)11-10-08
On a wide pitch on a blustery but dry Edinburgh morning, we were immediately put under pressure from the big and fast Watson's team. Watson's scored two early tries as we failed to deal with their pace and effective handling and were exposed out wide on both occasions. The fight-back commenced and a hard-worked-for try gave hope to all the team but we then conceded from the restart and were 15-5 down at half-time. The second half saw some effective driving play and some neat interplay but all too often we conceded the ball too easily. An ineffective line-out, too many missed tackles, aimless kicking and the inability to play to the whistle gifted territory and possession to our hosts who ran it back at us with determination and no little skill to run in four second half tries. The XV cannot afford to give the ball away so easily against sides with the pace and strength of Watson's yet we recycled ball effectively and were solid in the scrum. The backs made occasional breakthroughs after some strong running and linking. Junior Colts B XV v George Watson's College: 27 - 19 (L)11-10-08
Watsons came at us hard and to start with the boys showed good defence and held them. Martin Brennan scored two amazing tries, but sadly thissuccesswaned quickly, several mistakes and players all waiting for someone else to make a tackle, the winning side soon became the losing side. The wind gave Richard Tanner a challenge when throwing the ball for the line out and during the scrums we were strong. The boys need to improve on their fitness to enable them to stay powerful for a full game's length and be more aware of open undefended spaces when pushing forward with the ball. Tries: Martin Brennan (2), Henry Gray (1) Conversions: Henry Gray (2)
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1st XV v Loretto (H): 36 - 3 (W)
4.10.08
After a two week break since the previous game, Glenalmond were keen to build on the foundations of their North Berwick performance. Two quality tries and a penalty in the first half gave Glenalmond a 15-3 lead at half time.
The loss of Ollie Carmichael demanded some adaptability in the second-half but despite a faltering line-out, Glenalmond produced three more tries with good handling skills frequently stretching the Loretto defence. Excellent goal kicking from Stuart Bailey ensured that Coll won this contest by a comfortable margin.
Tries: McCoss; Walker; Macleod; Eden; Campbell
Conversions: Bailey (x4)
Penalties: Bailey (x1)
2nd XV v Loretto (H): 62 - 0
4.10.08
3rd XV v Stewart's Melville : 0 - 14 (L)
4.10.08
Conditions – wet and windy. Difficult handling.
Team: Hunfjord, Wilson, Schuler, Hastings, Glen, Gibson, Bullen, Holt, Bodie, Nicoll, Homton, Doumen, Page, Anderson & Fenton.
Replacements: Cumming & Onslow.
The first half was a tight, even contest played out mainly in the Stewart's Melville half thanks to a brisk wind in our backs. Despite sustained pressure our backs failed to capitalise on good ball won by the forwards. Missed penalty in the front of posts. 0-0 at the break. In the second half we sustained a few knocks which resulted in a pack re-shuffle. Some momentum lost and we conceded two breakaway tries following our own missed opportunities. Coll deserved to score after a plucky, much improved performance.
Colts A XV v Loretto (H): 34 - 0 (W)
4.10.08
Despite the wind and the rain, the Glenalmond Colts put in another solid performance. Working hard as a unit, the relentless fitness regime has paid dividends and we dominated in the forwards. Our pick and drive, rucking and mauling were slick and first jumper Wainwright (S) and hooker Bentley (P) secured good ball off set piece work. Our back row unit were particularly impressive with Man of the Match Findley (R), playing for the first time at blind side, Reynolds (P) and Roberston (P) bursting huge holes in the Loretto defence, both in midfield and around the fringes. The interplay with the backs was also impressive and Nimmo (P) controlled ball well in three quarters. Back from injury winger Bodie (G) also had a great game, putting into two very big hits in quick succession.
Try scorers: Robertson (P)x3, Findlay (R), Smith-Maxwell (S), Miekle (P)
Conversions: Nimmo (P), MacLeod (P)
Colts B XV v Peebles HS: 36 - 0 (L)
4.10.08
Junior Colts A XV v Loretto(H): 63 - 0 (W)
4.10.08
A high quality first half performance saw the Junior Colts play some good attacking rugby. The forwards showed much more drive and cohesion in the rucks and provided the backs with a huge amount of ball. Although some handling errors were made and the lines of running weren't always as straight as desired, tackles were comfortably broken and our confident midfield runners frequently swept through a surprisingly weak Loretto defence. Tries were scored with ease at times and the visitors were a demoralised outfit well before half-time. By forfeiting conversions, a total of 11 tries were scored. A curtailed second half resulted once the score had exceeded 60 points.
Junior Colts B XV v Peebles HS (H): 12 - 34 (L)
4.10.08
2nd XV v Morrison's Academy (H): 17 - 14 (W)
30.9.08
3rd XV v Morrison's Academy: 12 -21 (L)
30.9.08
This was a match in which Glenalmond came to regret not turning their early pressure into points. Playing with both sun and wind on their backs in the first-half the team needed to score tries. Various mistakes led to chances being squandered until Fraser Bodie crossed the line and Murdo Nicoll converted but no more scores came until the second half with Morrison's having levelled at half time, gained the territorial advantage and scored twice more through some poor Coll tackling.
Oscar Eriksen, deputising as hooker for Marcus Wilson, crossed the line to make the score look more respectable but in truth the 3rd XV had lost this match in the first half. Finishing and rucking both need to be improved.
1st XV v N. Berwick: Score 27 – 0 (W)
20.9.08
The 1st XV produced some excellent tries in a fragmented performance. Handling errors and unnecessary penalties affected the continuity and momentum that Glenalmond produced. However, the 1st XV move to leave out with two wins at the start of the season.
Tries: Fergus McCoss / Alexander Everett / Sam Macleod
Conversions: Stuart Bailey (2)
Penalties: Stuart Bailey (1)
2nd XV v N. Berwick: 29 - 7 (W)
20.9.08
3rd XV v George Watsons: 69 – 0 (W)
20.9.08
Glenalmond won 69-0 in this hastily arranged fixture. The score sounds one-sided but Watson's competed throughout but found Glenalmond's expansive play difficult to contain. Four tries between the winger's page and Anderson showed Glenalmond could spread it wide but No8 Mark Assiter showed forward strength is also a way to the line with four tries. Bodie, Houston and Wilson also got on the score sheet with Murdo Nicoll adding 14 points from seven conversions. The games will get a lot harder but this was an excellent opening fixture for a team with potential.
U16 v N. Berwick: 38 – 0 (W)
20.9.08
There were some excellent interchanges and passing the ball out of contact. An example of this was the first try of the 2nd half when virtually all the team were involved.
Tries-Potter, Cox, Smith, Schofield, Horne, Shillington
Junior Colts A v N. Berwick: 38-7 (L)
20.9.08
After the gentle run out that resulted in 13 tries being scored in the 67-0 victory against Kinross High School, hopes were high that another win might be secured at North Berwick High School in Match No.2. The Junior Colts A XV were stunned by the physical size and presence of the Berwick forwards and the genuine pace of some of their backs. By giving the ball away too easily and by failing to tackle effectively, early tries were leaked and the XV was 0-21 down at half-time. Playing down the slope in the second half gave cause for hope and the game was more evenly balanced as it progressed. Improved defensive realignment put more pressure on the Berwick backs and disrupted their continuity; good line-out ball was won by Hamish Prestige and some big tackles were made, none more so than by Tom Crosthwaite at full-back who inspired all around him with his courage and technique to deck the big runners who broke through feeble tackling by players who should have done better. Some very important lessons for forwards and backs have to be taken from this match – and they will be the basis of training sessions in the period ahead of the next fixture against Loretto.
Junior Colts B v N. Berwick: 17-7 (L)
20.9.08
The team played very well considering some of them first touched a rugby ball only three weeks ago. They played right from the start with passion to win. The captain Richard Tanner held the team together well and gave good, positive encouragement throughout. Harry Thompson brought down some of the opposition that were almost twice his size with lots of determination and both Mathew Oliver and George Mackenzie Smith made several strong attempts to score tries. Men of the match went to Harry Thompson & George Mackenzie Smith. Both the try and conversion came from David Gaffney. All in all it was a great match to watch, and the boys played well.
Hockey
1st XI v George Watson's: 1 - 6 (L)
11.10.08
This was a truly remarkable performance by all. We are at our finest when put under enormous pressure and our play throughout this match was testament to the hard work we have put into practices this first half of term.
Our decision to go all out paid off with an early goal putting us in the lead after seven minutes. Throughout the rest of the first half the game was exhilarating to watch with both dynamic and fast breaks, together with calm and efficient defensive play. It was an equal first half until the last eight minutes when a momentary lapse in concentration allowed George Watson's to take advantage and score three goals in the space of five minutes.
Heads were down only momentarily and after a positive half-time team talk we attacked the second half. With some truly outstanding goal-keeping by Lucy Hems we were able to hold off George Watson's to 0-1 in the second half, with the final score being 1-6. The score in no way reflects the teams performance and this was a fine performance by all concerned.
Player of the Match was Lucy Hems and the scorer, Hattie Mellor
5th XI v Loretto: 0 - 0 (D)
11.10.08
A very good tough match. We started weakly but got gradually stronger, and the team grew in confidence. We were really disappointed not to score in the second half, but in atrocious conditions it could easily have gone either way. We couldn't slacken in defence and it was a fun match to play! Louisa Rankin in goal kept us in the game!
3rd XI v George Watson's College: 3 - 3 (D)
11.10.08
An outstandingly good game at this level, very exciting to watch, even if bad for the nerves of the Managers. We have never really managed to match George Watson's before, who are always skilful and well prepared, and this was a splendid effort. Vanessa Rettie produced a string of excellent crosses from the right, with Emma Bowman getting on the end of several. Antonia Lambert was crucial in midfield, and the defence coped well with enormous pressure. Well done.
4th XI v. George Watson's College: 2 - 2 (D)
11.10.08
Again the team has done really well to compete on equal terms with this very strong hockey school, and indeed were leading for quite a lot of the game. Goals from Iona Walker and Carly Booth, from a short corner, were well deserved, and in fact the defence was twice guilty of allowing them back in it. The effort involved was intense however, and the girls were justifiably proud of their efforts. Rosanna McCallum was very sound in defence, and the midfield worked harder than ever before.
U18 Boarding Schools Tournament at Loretto
5.10.08
Won the Tournament
vs Fettes Won 1-0 (Sophie Illingworth scorer)
vs Kilgraston Won 2-0 (Hannah Preston, Alice Galbraith)
vs Gordonstoun Won 1-0 (Hattie Mellor)
Semi Final vs Strathallan 0-0 Full time, Won on flicks
Final vs Dollar Won 1-0 (Hattie Mellor)
It was an early start on a perfectly crisp and beautiful autumn Sunday morning and we could not have had a better start had we asked for it. The focus of every individual in the team was commendable and they managed to keep this with them throughout the day. Three very strong section games put us as winners of our section to play Strathallan in the semi final. In those three section games, there was a sense of urgency in our play and a determination that we have not seen as yet this season. The passing was sharp, the defence was as solid and reliable as ever and the linking play was smooth and efficient. In a tense and exciting semi-final, where it could have gone either way, some excellent goal-keeping by Lucy Hems and a real team effort, resulted in a full time score of 0-0. Flicks lay ahead of us and the chosen five, whilst understandably nervous, took to the spot with the full support of the team behind them. Once again Lucy Hems proved to help bring that final within reach of us with some outstanding saves. A win on flicks gave us Dollar in the final and this proved to be no less exciting than the semi final. It is at this point that as a coach you realise that you would much prefer to be the player on the pitch than the nervous coach on the sideline. There was nothing left to say to the team; they had achieved so much and really played some outstanding hockey. It was simply a case of "Go out and enjoy the final game, bringing back the trophy would be an added bonus." They achieved both and whilst we did have a player of the Tournament, the whole team should really be congratulated on their performances and particular mention should go to our inspirational captains: Sophie Illingworth, Hannah Preston and Sheila Mill.
Player of the Tournament was Lydia Nicol
4th XI v Loretto 3rd XI: 2 - 1 (W)
4.10.08
After being told we had to play the Loretto 3rd XI instead of the 4th XI (in monsoon weather) we were a bit apprehensive and the Loretto team seemed a bit over-confident to begin with! But after a slightly slow start in which Loretto opened the scoring, the ball mainly stayed in their half. We had many opportunities to score but with the combination of our bad luck and their good goal-keeping we only got 2 goals to add to our tally!
During the times that the ball was at our end, the Loretto forwards were met by our midfielders who sprinted back to help the defenders as they battled with the strong Loretto attackers. With the help of Rosanna McCallum's brilliant hit outs, though, the ball was soon back at their end. Everyone in all fields were fantastic and hopefully we can continue this against George Watsons next week!
4th XI v Dollar Academy 30th September
Lost 0 - 3
Although we didn't have one of the greatest first halves, in the second half we really upped our game and didn't concede any more goals. Unfortunately, we didn't get a well-deserved goal of our own but remembering that Dollar have had more practice on grass, the team will learn from this experience and will hopefully see the difference in next year's fixture!
1st XI v Gordonstoun (A) 13th September
Won 4-0
Scorers: Hannah Preston 2, Emily Hunter 1, Rose Eden 1
Another impressive performance given that this was the second game of the term. In addition to this it turned out to be a Cup Match and a win here has put us through into the quarter-finals to face either Strathallan or Robert Gordons. We were quick off the mark and with all the team bar one having been on tour, we fell quickly into our stride seizing our opportunities when they came.
Player of the Match was Sophie Illingworth
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U 14 A v Gordonstoun 13th September
Final score 2 - 2
The long journey up to Gordonstoun was made worth their while when the U 14s came from behind to record a hard fought draw. The team has only been together for a week's training as a squad but they made it look as if they had been training together for months! The team's first goal came from Molly Maclachlan to bring us level with Gordonstoun and then Gordonstoun managed to get their noses in front with their second strike. Towards the end of the game a great goal from Anna Townsend brought smiles to all our faces.
Anna Townsend was player of the game and Annabel Flowers was most improved throughout the match. Well done girls!
2nd XI v St Georges 2nd XI 13th September
Final score 1 - 1
With a new formation for the first match of the season, the girls understandably took time to adjust but after a slow start the team soon came out fighting. Glenalmond had many attempts at goal, putting St George's under great pressure. Just before half time the hard work was rewarded with a goal leaving the girls 1-0 up at half time. Coll came out just as strongly in the second half and with 5 minutes remaining a win was looking promising. But in true St George's style, our opposition fought to the bitter end and eventually scored, leaving the final score 1 - 1.