John Lewis 7s Report

Forfar Academy A started the day in Round 1 of the Cup with a 26-0 defeat to Graeme High School from Falkirk, They scored 4 tries, 3 of which were converted. Forfar had a few chances but playing against the wind was hard going.Graeme High ran the ball and used numbers at the breakdowns to turnover the ball. Forfar A had a few breaks which came to nothing.
So Forfar A moved into the Bowl Quarter Final as Firhill High pulled out of the competition, so Forfar A was given a bye through Round 2. They faced Hillhead Jordanhill B. The game was evenly matched with both sides making use of the width of the park, until Duncan Hampton crossed the line, the conversion was wide, making the score 5-0. Both teams defences held to deny each other from crossing the line. Until Jordanhill hit back in the final minute and powered over the line, but missed the conversion which evened the score. But Forfar A progressed to the Semi Finals as they scored the first try of the game.
Forfar A narrowly missed a place in the Final of the Bowl as they lost there next match 5-0 to Preston Lodge. It was a close game throughout and gave the spectators a treat as many said it was great to watch. The game was mainly played around the halfway line. Only mistakes cost the teams possession of the ball. Preston Lodge made a quick break up the line to score. Forfar never gave up and ran every ball, and the last play of the game, Forfar A made a break but turn over ball saw Preston Lodge kick the ball to touch, which ended the Forfar A's run in the tournament.

Graeme High 26-0 Forfar Academy A Cup Round 1
Forfar Academy A - Firhill (Withdrew) Bowl Round 2
Hillhead Jordanhill 5-5 Forfar Academy A(Forfar A win on 1st try scored) Bowl Quarter Finals
Preston Lodge 5-0 Forfar Academy A Bowl Semi Finals

Forfar Academy B got a bye through Round 1 of the Cup as St. Aloysius withdrew from the event. This meant they went on to face Bell Baxter (last years U18 and 7s winners) in Round 2. Forfar Academy B put in an outstanding performance, but Bell Baxter were too strong and won 31-0. Much credit goes to the Forfar team as the held Bell Baxter off for the first half of the match.
They then dropped into the Shield Round 1 and faced Inverkeithing High School. Forfar B started strong and Andrew Pritchard scored in under 30 seconds. James Robertson's conversion hit the post and sadly bounced the wrong side of the line. It didn't take long for Inverkeithing to equalise with an unconverted try. Inverkeithing then struck again as there winger made a quick break. Forfar held off the attack but never managed to cross the line. And in the final minute Inverkeithing crossed the line again. The score was 15-5 to Inverkeithing.
This meant the Forfar B team went onto the Salver quarter finals to face Lockerbie Academy. Both teams returned attack and defended well, but half way through the game a yellow card for a Forfar player meant that Lockerbie took a 5-0 lead. They quickly struck again and converted the try leaving the Forfar side trailing 12-0. But once the team was back to full strength, they piled on the pressure and Matthew Withers sprinted up the wing to narrow the gap to 7 point. However the full time whistle went which saw the Forfar B team exit the tournament.

Forfar Academy B - St. Aloysius (St. Aloysius withdrew)Cup Round 1
Forfar Academy B 0-31 Bell Baxter High School Cup Round 2
Inverkeithing High School 15-5 Forfar Academy B Plate Round 1
Forfar Academy B 5-21 Lockerbie Academy Salver Quarter Finals

Well done to all the players and thanks to all staff who came along to help and support the team. Also thanks to Mr Caddell for organising the trip.