More photos at
http://linlithgowrugbyclub.shutterfly.com/pictures/3816
&
http://linlithgowrugbyclub.shutterfly.com/pictures/3832
Linlithgow
1st XV 10 - 17 Carrick 1st XV. Scorers: Blair Jardine –
try; Blair Cooper - 2 Tries; Connor Wyllie - 1 Con
The game started well for Carrick when
Blair Cooper scored in the corner after 3 minutes to
give them a 5-0 lead.
However, Linlithgow with their much
bigger pack started to gain the upper hand and from a
series of rucks scored under the posts. Their 10
converted to give Linlithgow a 7-5 lead. With 7 minutes
left of the half Carrick were penalised for handling in
the ruck and their 10 once again slotted the kick, 10 -
5.
The boys in blue then upped the pace of
the game and this was when Carrick seemed to be at their
most dangerous and after a quickly taken lineout captain
marvel Blair Jardine broke through the Linlithgow
midfield to score a fantastic try. Connor Wyllie
converted the kick to give Carrick a 10-12 lead.
The words at half time were that while the boys couldn't
be faulted for their effort but they had to be more
clinical when making several line breaks.
The second half was a tense affair with
the big Carrick support playing their part in getting
behind the boys. The team created the better chances
throughout the half but some poor decision making and
fantastic defence kept them out until 9 minutes to go
when after the play was swung to the right they won
quick ball and passed it back in the opposite direction.
John Dewar delayed his pass perfectly to then give Blair
Cooper a run to the corner and with two defenders on his
back Blair touched down to score which led to wild
scenes of celebration from everybody on the touchline.
Carrick then controlled the final 8 minutes of the game
and when the referee blew for full time the celebrations
started all over again.
Nobody can understate what these boys
have achieved. This is the first time in the history of
Carrick Academy that a boys side have reached a Scottish
Sporting Final and this competition had schools such as
Glenalmond, Marr, St Columba's, Lomond, Kelvinside
Aacdem,y Aberdeen Grammar and all the big Borders
schools in it. Mr Brown told them
they have made history and nobody can take that away
from them.
Now for the final!!! The final is
scheduled to take place on Wednesday 22nd February with
a KO time still to be confirmed but it has been
pencilled in for around 7.30pm. Carrick’s opponents will
be Earlston High School or Madras College. Mr Brown has
already been inundated with people wishing to go and he
has provisionally booked four buses. Plans have already
been put in place for flags, hats and scarves to be
produced and he is sure it will be a night to remember
not just for the boys and rugby section but for Carrick
Academy and the local community.