DOLLAR Academy return to Murrayfield tonight for the final of the Scottish Schools Under-18 Cup hoping to atone for their defeat by George Watson’s College in last season’s final when a late penalty goal gave the Edinburgh school a 30-27 win.
With a high proportion of their team returning for a second season at 1st XV level, Dollar were strongly tipped to be favourites for this season’s final. Although their record in the Red Conference would not have the punters backing them, their 38-24 semi-final win over Watson’s suggests that Dollar are ready for the challenge.
Tonight on the international pitch at Murrayfield Dollar face a Stewart’s-Melville College intent on capping an unbeaten season thus far with Cup success. They, too, had a convincing semi-final win, demolishing Merchiston with a 31-13 win at Colinton.
While Dollar have quality players in full-back Ben McIlwraith, stand-off Grant Hughes and prop Euan McLaren it is Stewart’s-Melville’s all-round strength that makes the Inverleith side favourites for tonight’s match.
At under-16 level, joint title holders Strathallan, who drew with Watson’s 5-5 last season, face St Aloysius College. The Glasgow school have had an impressive season at under-16 level not least in overcoming Merchiston at Colinton in the semi-final.
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