Marr College victorious in first qualifying round

Marr College are the first school into the semi-finals of the 2020 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship after going unbeaten in round one.

The South Ayrshire school won all six of their matches at Scotstoun yesterday, with their S1 and S2 boys’ teams and under-15s girls’ scoring an impressive 49 tries in total.

Marr College were up against St Andrews RC Secondary School and Grange Academy as 135 players competed at the home of Glasgow Warriors.

Head Coach Colin Sturgeon was delighted to qualify for the semi-finals after missing out last year.

He said: “We are all buzzing to have qualified.

“The kids were great and thrilled to play on the main pitch at Scotstoun. It was a brilliant experience.

“The attitude of our players was first class which is great for the coaches.

“At this level it’s good to compete against other schools we don’t normally play on a regular basis.”

He continued: “It was the first ever competitive rugby for some of our girls and it was fantastic to see them perform so well.

“Success in the SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship is good exposure for the school and our rugby programme and hopefully more girls will join the programme off the back of this.

“They enjoyed themselves today and now know what rugby can offer them in terms of a fun, competitive experience.”

Marr S2 player Jamie Braddock helped his school win the Scottish Boys Handball Championship title last month and is targeting further title joy in the SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.

The 13-year-old said: “Playing handball helps improve my skillset in rugby and it’s great we are through to the semi-finals.

“The S2s worked well as a team and we made sure we were equally good at our attacking and defence.

“It’s been a really fun day out getting to play rugby with my friends and we’re excited for the semi-finals already.”

A record number of 405 girls are taking part in the 2020 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.

Supporting women and girls on the pitch is mirrored in SP Energy Networks’ support of women in the workplace through activities like apprenticeships, women returners’ programmes and their #NotJustForBoys campaign in partnership with the Scotland Women Rugby team.

Tammy Adelabu was a standout performer for St Andrews RC girls yesterday having competed in last year’s Championship.

She said: “Playing this event is a really good opportunity to meet new people and create a sense of camaraderie with your teammates.

“I found the standard of competition even higher this year and I think as a team we have improved.”

Grange Academy girls’ player Abbie Crockett added: “Rugby is such an active sport which is great for your health.

“I love playing rugby but also enjoy watching and I’m coming back to Scotstoun to cheer on Scotland Women later this year.”

This is the third year Glasgow Warriors’ official Community Partner, SP Energy Networks, have supported the Championship that aims to raise awareness and improve access to grassroots level rugby – whilst also promoting active and healthy lifestyles to young people. The Championship, and important community engagement it generates, also seeks to recognise sport as a valuable life tool in teaching children about team working, leadership and communication skills.

A total of 1,215 boys and girls from 27 schools across west, central and southern Scotland are battling it out to be crowned 2020 champions.