GEORGE Watson’s will play Dollar Academy in the final of the Scottish Schools Under-18 Cup at Murrayfield next Wednesday after defeating Dundee High School 34-17 in the second semi-final at Mayfield.
Watson’s, who are in the top school conference, a tier above Dundee High School, were clear favourites to win yesterday’s tie but the Tayside school, now coached by the former Scotland stand-off Phil Godman, were competitive throughout and at half-time led by two points. .
“Dundee were very good, Phil’s done a wonderful job with them and it was a typical semi-final,” said the Watson’s coach, Ally Donaldson. He added: “We had chances to put them away when we were 8-0 up but they stuck in and came back and there were times when the pendulum swung in their favour But we’ll learn from this game.”
Watson’s used the physicality of their midfield and full-back to good effect, albeit Dundee High defended bravely and at times with precision, but the Myresiders had to overcome a 8-10 half-time deficit. The game changed, however, early in the second half when Watson’s ran in three tries in quick succession.
“The game was won in that first 10 minutes after the break when Watson’s showed why they’ve won the cup for the last three years," said Godman. "It’s the first time our group have been in a game as big as this.”
Watson’s looked likely winners when they opened up an 8-0 lead from a try by winger Calum MacDonald and a penalty from scrum-half Fraser Peters, but a fightback by Dundee High produced a try for stand-off Ewan Fox and the conversion and a penalty by full-back Rory Johnston.
Tries in quick succession by wing Lucien Richtenberg, Peters and prop Calum Eastwood and two conversions from Peters put Watson’s 27-10 ahead but, again, High responded, this time scoring through Lewis Keddie, a member of the home side’s outstanding back row.
Watson’s, however had the final say with a solo try by their powerfully built full-back Callum Martin, Peters adding the conversion.
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