Wallace High School complete semi-final lineup

Storm Gareth did not detract from an entertaining final round of qualifying yesterday in the 2019 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.

Despite the blustery conditions at Scotstoun, the five competing schools produced some exciting rugby with 223 tries scored across 30 matches.

It was Wallace High School who progressed to the semi-finals after day five of qualifying, getting the better of Marr College, St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School, Jordanhill School and Boclair Academy.

Wallace High School finished impressive runners-up in last year’s Warriors Championship and showed their talent again on Wednesday losing just one of their 12 matches.

Each school had three teams competing, an S1 and S2 boys’ team and an under-15s girls’ team, with Wallace High School scoring 68 tries in all.

They join Largs Academy, Balfron High School, Lenzie Academy and Eastwood High School in the next round with two schools progressing to final’s day on Saturday, April 27, prior to Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh Rugby.

Wallace High School PE Teacher and rugby coach Chris Jubb said: “It’s always great to come to Scotstoun and perform well.

“The kids put a lot of pressure on themselves and have set quite high standards, especially the players who competed last year.

“They have passed on some knowledge to the new players telling them how big this tournament is.

“Sometimes you need to step back and realise that the experience this tournament gives them is second to none.

“It means a lot to them and they have worked really hard since August.

“It was pleasing to see our new girls and S1s stepping up and scoring tries.”

He continued: “The weather held up pretty well considering the wind but these players would play in any conditions, they just want to get out there and perform.

“Some of our players took losing the final last year hard but for me it was a positive experience about learning the ups and downs of sport.

“It would be great to go one better this year but we will focus on the next round first.”

Jordanhill School S1 player Keith Scott has been playing rugby for more than three years and has set his sights on donning a Glasgow Warriors jersey one day.

“I would love to play for Glasgow Warriors,” he said.

“Jonny Gray is my favourite player and I like the way he plays. Rucking and tackling are my strengths like him.

“I got into rugby in Primary Five because my brother was playing

“It’s such a fun sport which can be played by anyone whatever size you are.

“This competition is really enjoyable and I like watching each school bring a different style of rugby.”

Megan McGinley, 15, who plays for St Thomas Aquinas, was hugely impressive yesterday showing a variety of skills in both attack and defence.

The Girls captain plays for Glasgow & the West and hopes to follow in the footsteps of older sister Siobhan by playing for Scotland.

She said: “Siobhan is in the Scotland Under-18s team and we both have ambitions to play for the full Scotland team together in the future.

“Rugby was always seen as a boys’ sport when I was younger which annoyed me so I thought I should give it a try.

“There were only two girls who played at school when I first started playing four years ago but I was keen to stick at the sport and went to play for Hillhead Jordanhill like my sister.

“Now we have a school’s team which is great and I really like how girls’ rugby has grown in recent years.

“It’s a different sport to many others but I find rugby exciting and you get to meet new friends.

“Playing in this tournament against other schools helps me develop individually and also helps our team grow and improve.”

ABOUT THE SP ENERGY NETWORKS WARRIORS CHAMPIONSHIP

At the beginning of the 2017/18 season Glasgow Warriors announced a landmark three-year partnership with SP Energy Networks which saw them become the club’s Official Community Partner.

SP Energy Networks, which operates across central and southern Scotland, are working with Glasgow Warriors on a wide-range of community initiatives, including the SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.

More than 1,000 girls and boys from 25 schools are competing in this year’s competition which will give a platform to grassroots talent to display their skills at Scotstoun Stadium.

Semi-Finals: Wednesday 27 March. Wallace High School, Largs Academy, Balfron High School, Lenzie Academy and Eastwood High School.

Finals Day: Saturday, April 27 (Prior to Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh Rugby).