Galashiels Academy 8, Dundee HS 7
GALASHIELS Academy became this season's Bank of Scotland Schools Cup winners by defeating the favourites, Dundee High School, in a thrilling final that proved that defence is as important as attacking play.
The Borderers' win, by the narrowest of margins, was perhaps the biggest upset in schools rugby this season but this was a superb performance by Galashiels Academy to win the title for a fifth time.
''Our defence was immense,'' said coach Bill Noble, who praised his side for closing down Dundee's international centre Chris Milne.
Galashiels, having soaked up an enormous amount of pressure in the first half, took the lead three minutes before half time with a penalty goal by stand-off Bruce Aitchison, then, five minutes into the second half, went further ahead when Cockburn touched down in the corner from a penalty move.
Dundee replied with a period of non-stop pressure, only to be met by resistance of the highest quality.
Ironically, it was from loose play and not a driven lineout that the Dundee side scored, Milne running in from broken play to touch down and convert for his side's first and final points.
Dundee High School - S Shepherd; G Southwick, C Milne, E Smith, C Webb; M Milroy, A Milne; K Swan, L Munro, A Coulson, A McMahon, J Gay, K Rosbottom, A Kennedy, T Parratt.
Galashiels Academy -- M Elliot; S Lumsden, S Cassidy, P Ormiston, A Simpson; B Aitchison, M Burrell; J Berthinussen, M Ingoldsby, P McDonald, L McPherson, C Simpson, M Pringle, P Cockburn, J Webster.
Referee - E Murray (Greenock Wanderers).
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