Welcome to the Schools Rugby Reports page
This is where you will find details, updates and results about the competitions scheduled for all local primary and secondary schools. This year there will be many festivals and tournaments arranged including the Ayrshire Conference Competition between participating secondary schools S1 – U18 age groups.
Scottish Cup Prelim Round: Carrick Academy Versus Ardrossan Schools U18
Carrick Academy 36-26 Ardrossan
‘Ardrossan’ went into this game very tentatively having for the first time merged with both St. Mathews and Largs Academy for this national competition. However with a majority of players having played together at club level previously or currently this sorted out a lot of issues regarding team moral. However when the match begun it would be hard to believe that was the case.
Ardrossan began the game was some real backs against the wall defending spending much of the opening exchanges camped out in their own 22 and after ten minute the inevitable happened with Carrick going over and scoring the opening try of the match. It was a valiant effort in defence by Ardrossan but in the end it was to no avail. The conversion was made as the score stood 7-0 to the home side. However their response to going behind was superb. Straight from kick off the call was won back and after a few phases Ardrossan found themselves a matter of metres from the try line and after some heavy running Michael Small touched down on the right hand side to get the away side back into the game. The conversion was successful and the scores were levelled up. Carrick regained the lead in what will have been disappointing fashion for the Ardrossan boys. One or two missed tackles lead to a try which was far too easy and in complete contrast to previous strong defensive efforts. The conversion was then made and Carrick were 14-7 up. At looked at this point like Ardrossan would be going into the half with a deficit to overturn however this was not the case. With around 5 minutes of the half remaining Ardrossan won the ball back and after some nice passing play Ollie Kirkwood made a half break and managed to offload the ball to the on running Murray Grayston who burst through the gap and turned the full back inside out before finishing in true Dan Carter style. The conversion was made and the away side were level before the half.
Half time – Carrick Academy 14-14 Ardrossan Schools
The beginning of the second half is what inevitably cost Ardrossan the game with two unconverted Carrick tries being scored in a matter of 10 minutes which saw the hosts take what appeared to be a commanding 24-14 lead. However Ardrossan fought back in tremendous fashion. They got back within to touching distance after a superb individual try by Ross Maiden who was excellent on the day, stepping and fending his way to the try line then proceeding to slot the kick home. However Carrick were not to be stopped scoring again themselves however yet again failing to convert making the score at this stage 29-21 in the home sides favour. Ardrossan then stepped it up a level yet again with some resilient defending and persistence which lead to an interception and after some good strong running Michael Small yet again found himself on the score sheet going over right in the corner. The kick was missed and Ardrossan were within 3 points. Then in the final five minute came the moment of controversy. With Ardrossan knocking on the door and a few crashes coming up agonisingly short up stepped young Derek Phillips to burst through and stretch to touch the ball down just on the line with the ball then shooting forward afterwards. Despite everyone else feeling Ardrossan were about to go ahead for the first time in the match the referee felt there wasn’t enough controlled downward pressure on the ball and a knock on was given. A seemingly poor decision to say the least. This decision had the away side furious and in the final minutes with Carrick using the possession that was handed to them a deflated Ardrossan saw the home side crash over under the posts once more to rub salt into already gaping wounds and convert the try to round off the scoring.
Full time – Carrick Academy 36-26 Ardrossan Schools
A fantastic effort indeed and a brilliant game of rugby to take part in and watch. On another day with key decisions falling their way the score could have easily fell in Ardrossan’s favour but a loss that they can come out of with their heads held high knowing the gave their all.
Point Scorers –
Maiden (11) M. Small (10) Grayston (5)
Quote of the match – “Where’s the tackles?” *proceeds to get boshed* ~ Harry MacDonald
Man of the Match – Ross Maiden
Article written by
Murray Grayston
Arran U18 7s
Thursday 16th June was the day of the Arran 7s which for some is the last tournament for this year U18s but for many the start of their U18s career. The tournament which is now running for its 4th year hosted teams from Grange, Cumnock , Ardrossan, St Matthews Academies and the host Arran High School. It was a great turnout for Ardrossan and St Matthews Academies with an altogether squad of 21 boys. The weather was fairly dry with some outbreaks of rain the pitch condition was excellent to play on with superb rugby being played by all sides. The teams of Ardrossan and St Matthews being largely made up of new Club U18s showed excellent skill and resilience to compete with the larger more physical teams with the likes of Grange and Cumnock with victories over Arran and Grange being the highlights of the games. Congratulations to Cumnock Academy for being the overall winners of the day. But to conclude the day we had to have a game with Ardrossan v St Matthews 10 aside all out rugby was a great spectacle but the winners of the game were St Matthews. Everyone played with a smile on their face we certainly can’t wait for next years 7s!
Ardrossan and St Matthews Cluster Festivals
It was a busy week for the Accies with the rugby club hosting two P7 festivals for the Academy Clusters of Ardrossan and St Matthews. With a total of 8 primary Schools attending the two events which saw over 120 boys and 80 girls play, which for many would be their first contact games of rugby. Prior to the events each school had a 6 week contact programme delivered by our level 2 qualified coaches. With the events hosting Winton, Stanley, West Kilbride, St Luke’s, St Antony’s, St Winning’s, St Peter’s and Dykesmain’s Primary schools all participating. This meant there weren’t going to be any shortages of games or competition. With the weather over the two day period being on our side, it helped the kids show magnificent rugby being played by the boys and girls. It was also great to see excellent sportsmanship, respect and leadership from all involved showing that the kids not only demonstrated the rugby skills we have taught them throughout the contact programme but also the ethos which we regard so highly in our game. The overall winners of the two clusters were for the boys and girls for the Ardrossan cluster were West Kilbride Boys and Dykesmains Girls and for the St Matthews cluster saw a tie between St Luke’s and St Anthony’s boys and the overall winner for the girls were St Peters girls. Congratulations to the School winners, individual winners and everyone for taking part. A massive thanks to all the schools that allowed us in to deliver our programmes and we are already excited for what next year!
Auchenharvie Academy Cluster Primaries rugby
On Wednesday 30th March our Development team ran our 2nd Primary 7 Cluster event at Ardrossan RFC. This was off the back of rugby delivered too Ardeer, Hayocks, Caledonia and Mayfield Primaries. Unfortunately Mayfield and Ardeer were unable to attend the event which meant it was a two team festival with Hayocks and Caledonia. Due to only having the two schools with a boys and girls team from each we decided to give everyone some SCRUM practice. This was very well received with the kids loving trying one of rugby more technical aspects! As well as plenty of games the kids showed off all their skills they had been developing over a number of weeks practice at the Schools with our coaches. Hopefully we will see a number of the pupils along at the Club and playing for their respective academies next year!
Largs Academy Cluster Primaries Rugby
On Tuesday 29th March, Largs Academy Cluster Primary 7s took part in a Rugby Festival held at Largs Academy, where hopefully pupils will continue their School rugby after summer. The day was attended by Kelburn, Brisbane and Fairlie Primary Schools. Approximately 75 boys and girls took part in contact rugby showing off their running, passing and tackling skills which they had been taught over a 7 week period at School coached by modern apprentice Jordan and Club coaches Milan, Istok and Iason. The sun was shining and the pupils while showing off their new skills, they also demonstrated the rugby ethos which comes as part of coaching in terms of respect, sportsmanship and leadership towards teammates and opposition. A very well done to all the Schools, the staff and of course the pupils that took part. Hopefully we will see them progress to the clubs youth sections in the future!
Intro to the day!
Some action shots!
Group shot at the end!
If you would like any further information, please contact our Community Development Officer, Andrew Duncan – aduncan@kaleisure.com.