On Friday 16th March, for the second year in a row, both the U15 and U18 Stewart’s Melville College Hockey teams travelled to Glasgow Green for their Scottish Schools’ Cup Finals. This time, they were going to defend their respective National Titles.
At 4:30pm in front of a supportive crowd of friends and family, the U15s pushed back against George Watson’s College in the final of their S3 Cup. What followed in the next hour was an exhibition of great hockey from both teams, but in particular from SMC, who showcased some of the best pass and move team hockey they have played all season. Goals from Jamie Croll and Callum MacLennan secured a 3-2 win.
Head of Hockey at SMC, Mr Brogdon, said “there were some outstanding individual performances in the game but what stood out, as always, was the team ethic running through this talented group of players. Congratulations to Captain Hamish Hepburn, Head Coach Mr.Williams and to the rest of players.”
Following on from the U15 performance, the First XI were undoubtedly looking to emulate their younger counterpart’s success in their own U18 Boys’ Cup Final vs Hutchesons’ Grammar. Throughout the game, SMC were threatening on the counter attack, as well as tenacious in defence. A Penalty Flick and short corner from Robbie Croll, interspersed with a goal from Luke Morris put the team in a strong position with less than ten minutes to go, when another goal from Alex Riddell pushed the team further ahead. A last-minute goal from Hutchesons’ wasn’t enough and did nothing to dampen the celebrations for whole squad when the final whistle blew, with SMC winning 4-2.
This achievement was made more remarkable since many of the team were new to the First XI this year, yet it is fantastic to see how they have developed as the year progressed.
Of this fantastic ‘Double-Double’ achievement, Mr Brogdon noted that “this could not have been achieved without the help and support of all the teachers and hockey coaches in our hockey programme over the last few years. Their hard work and commitment has laid the foundations for the boys to make the most of their ability. I’m looking forward to next season already!”
