ST ALOYSIUS' College secured their fifth Bank of Scotland Schools Cup title with victory over Peebles High School at Malleny Park yesterday. This was the closest result in a Schools Cup final and for Peebles High School, a desperate disappointment after coming so close to beating the holders.
Phil Crampsey, the St Aloysius' coach, identified his two Glasgow Schools props Carlo di Ciacca and Andy Lamont, whose powerful scrummaging and tireless work in the rucks and mauls, as all-important. ``We achieved just a little more control up front,'' said Crampsey, who acknowledged Peebles came out on top in decision making behind the scrum.
In a quality match both sides scored two tries, but the difference in the end was the greater value of a penalty goal over a conversion kick. St Aloysius' seemed to have the game well won when they led 13-0 in the first half. Full back Allan Jackson opened the scoring with a fine try from a break by centre Mike Loakman and support from Simon Denny. Then scrum half Nick McLeod touched down from a fine sole effort before stand-off Andrew Craig, who had missed both conversions, put over what was to be a crucial penalty.
With the wind behind them in the second half, Peebles quickly got back into the game with a try and conversion by centre Paul Rutherford from a break by centre Jamie Downie. Then came a marvellous try for left wing Jamie Cumming after flanker Stewart McMillan had been stopped just short of the line. Rutherford missed the all-important conversion.
St Aloysius' College: A Jackson; N Craig, M Loakman, S Denny, R DeMarco; A Craig, N McLeod; C di Ciacca, C Sheridan, A Lamont, D Skelton, C Langan, S Bancewicz, N Scullion, K Fitzpatrick.
Peebles High School: M Balckstock; K Barnet, J Downie, P Rutherford, J Cumming; C Shaw, R Emerson; K Main, D Cornwall, S Elder, C Mouat, R Neilson, S McMillan, B Clapham, R Wood.
Referee J Steele (Dumfries).
Other result: Paisley Grammar School seven-a-side tournament. Final - Stewart's-Melville College 42, Kelvinside Academy 27.
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