MELROSE LIFT CUP IN ACTION-PACKED FINALS DAY

A BIG CROWD witnessed a thrilling day’s action in the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup finals at Murrayfield on Saturday.

With 23 tries scored over the four matches in the traditional end-of-season event, the day was a great showcase for Scottish club talent.  More than a few players will have undoubtedly attracted the attentions of the Club International and Pro team selectors.

The Cup winners, in front of an estimated 6,000 crowd, were Melrose, who triumphed over city rivals Heriots by 7 points. With four tries apiece, the winning difference was the boot of man of the match Melrose flyhalf Scott Wight, who added the conversions and a penalty.

The day’s honours were evenly distributed around the country, with clubs from the four districts each taking home silverware. Ayrshire club Garnock won the shield, East Lothian’s Preston Lodge lifted the Bowl and a resurgent Aberdeen University took the Plate.

Despite the successful occasion, this could be the last-ever Cup Finals day. Under a surprising proposal heading towards the SRU AGM, President George Jack is calling for an end to the Cup, to be replaced by local friendly matches.

Results (Click to enlarge)

Statement from the Forum of Scottish Rugby Supporters

We expressed strong reservations to the SRU at the outset about the review being done in-house. Our reservations have if anything increased in the past 24 hours.

Changes, whether in approach or personnel, were certainly needed on the coaching side, as there were some clear errors in tactics, selection and preparation during the 6N campaign. But whether these can all be laid at the doorstep of the assistant coaches is more questionable, whatever other faults they may be deemed to have had.