When the Stewart’s Melville College U16 first team won their Scottish Schools Cup final, at BT Murrayfield, earlier this month, it was the crowning glory of what has been a fantastic term of rugby at the School. The School is looking forward to a bright future for the sport in 2023, with a group of highly skilled coaches and determined students working together.
As well as the U16 Cup, the School also won the Inspiresport Boys National One Schools Conference - Whole School title. This was thanks to consistent performances from all our teams, from U13 up to U18. The U18 first team also reached the semi-finals of their Cup and finished second in their Conference.
Out of 60 Conference matches played, Stewart’s Melville College finished on an impressive 137 points out of 150.
This is the third consecutive year that the School has won this competition. The time, energy, coaching resources and dedication from the staff and students has been essential in helping us achieve our goal of being the number one school for rugby in Scotland
The recent Conference success included the U16 and U15 first teams winning six games from six to top their own tables. Head of Rugby, Stuart Edwards said:
“While the U16 first team have had plaudits recently, and rightly so, what we are most proud of at the School is the way all of the teams, in all of the age groups have performed in recent months.
“Led by excellent coaches, the youngsters have really worked hard on getting better week on week and they have also really been enjoying their rugby which is such an important thing and something we make a priority here at the School.
“Having taken a step back from coaching the U18 first team this year, it has allowed me to really get a picture of how all the different coaches interact with each age group and each team and it has been brilliant to see. I’m so proud of the work that the coaches put in with the boys, they go above and beyond and put the extra hours in to help each player get better and the students respond to that and work very hard to be the best that they can be.
“When everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet, enjoying their sport and working towards a common goal you tend to get the best results and we have seen that in recent times.”
We all know that the better the coach, the better the students learn and it is clear that Mr Edwards, and Head of Boys’ Sport, Gregor Wood, have built a great coaching group at the School.
Alongside themselves and other full time staff, such as Hayden Lingard, Jimmy Moran, Assistant Head of Rugby Jason Hill, Mark Burgess, Bryn Lockie and David Roxburgh, the students are also exposed to coaching from former Scotland caps John Hardie and Joe Ansbro.
Edinburgh Rugby and Heriot’s Super6 partnership player Bruce Houston, Benedict Grant (who was a standout performer for Stirling Wolves in the recent Super6 Championship) and Mark Sinclair (the Heriot’s S&C Coach and specialist scrum-half Coach), are also involved in coaching at the school.
Mr Edwards said: “These guys are all recently retired or currently playing rugby at a high level, and the knowledge they bring to the table is excellent and really enthuses the young players,”
“Their eye for detail has really helped teams make big strides in recent months and they also work with players one-on-one. There can be nothing better than working with John Hardie if you are an aspiring back-rower or working with Bruce Houston if you are an aspiring goal kicker.
“I like to think that the coaching group we have put together with staff working alongside external coaches really is one of the best in Scotland and we enjoy working with the students and helping them on and off the pitch.”
In terms of the U16 first team’s Scottish Schools Cup win, it was a cracking final, against Strathallan School, at the national stadium, with Stewart’s Melville College coming out on top 43-24.
Commenting on the victory, Mr Edwards said:
“I would like to start by thanking the coaches. Jimmy Moran, Gregor Wood and Bruce Houston have given endless time to this team to allow our students to have the best possible experience. Their effort and commitment to drive this team has been nothing short of exceptional.
“The players have made our whole school proud and have inspired our younger players to emulate their success. To make it to Christmas unbeaten and to win the Scottish Schools Cup on the national pitch is special and I am excited to see what the future holds for this group in their remaining years at SMC and beyond.
“All their hard work, both on and off the pitch, came to fruition. Our students commit a huge amount to this team with three gym sessions a week, three rugby sessions and weekend fixtures, alongside video analysis and recovery. I am so grateful for everyone, parents, players and coaches, associated with this programme and the dedication they show to driving us forwards.”
By Gary Heatly