Strathmore School Trophy - Match Report

Strathmore Schools Trophy

Forfar Academy Vs Webster High School

Thursday 21st June 2007

MATCH REPORT – ‘Academy Rugby ends year on a high!’ by Mr Caddell

On a glorious Thursday 21st June 2007 the inaugural Strathmore Schools trophy was played for between Forfar Academy and close rivals Websters High School. Both teams were eagerly looking forward to this encounter, especially as it was the first occasion in 21 years that these two schools were taking part in a competitive fixture.

The game kicked off and throughout the 1st period Websters looked the most dangerous. Some strong running and even stronger tackling put the Academy team of the back foot and the well organised Websters team kept pressing. It came as quite a shock when Forfar scored on the counter attack. Scrum half Calum MacLean picked up from the base of the scrum and although a superb tackle from the Websters full back stopped the Academy player short, a great offload allowed makeshift flanker Duncan Hampton to score for the first points of the day. This try was converted by Centre Callum Howie.

As the 1st period continued Websters continued attacking and only some superb Forfar defence kept the Kirrie team from scoring. However, with all the defending the Forfar team were having to do it was inevitable that a score was going to come and it did just before the end of the period when a quick attack and change of direction allowed Websters and Strathmore RFC danger man James Kiely to crash over in the left hand corner. This was uncoverted.

The second period started very differently to the first with Forfar taking the game to Websters. This started with a 40 catch and sprint by flanker Hampton and then as a result of all the pressure Callum Howie took a quick tap penalty to crash over the line from close range. No conversion.

By now the heat was getting to most of the players and Websters started making their changes. Forfar however were limited to the players on the field due to player unavailability. This proved decisive, especially as a regenerated forward pack started to put the pressure on the Academy team with a quick try coming out of some strong work by the pack. No conversion.

The rest of the second period was played mainly in the midfield with some of the biggest tackles coming in from Academy players Grant McLaren and Shaun Ritchie and some clever changes of direction and slick passing by Websters number 10 Gary Robb.

By the time the 3rd period began both teams were beginning to tire and leave gaps in defence. This allowed a flurry of Forfar scores interrupted by some Websters points which made the game very entertaining for the neutral viewer as it proved neither team was willing to lose the game. In the end the Academy team edged out as 36-25 winners to win their first competitive game since 1986!

The occasion was concluded with the prize giving and buffet, generously supplied by the parents, in Strathmore RFC with the trophy being presented by local businessman and match sponsor Bill Bruce of Tannadice Trophies. Also presented were ‘Man of the Match’ awards to Forfar’s Duncan Hampton and Websters inspirational Stand Off Gary Robb.

The day was regarded as a massive success and the coaches and parents involved with school rugby are hoping that rugby in the Strathmore area will continue to flourish and develop and who knows, there maybe a Scottish International in the making?