Wallace High School crowned champions

Wallace High School claimed the 2019 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship title on Saturday after a thrilling final against Eastwood High School.

Wallace High School claimed the 2019 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship title on Saturday after a thrilling final against Eastwood High School.

The Stirling outfit were runners-up last year but went one better in 2019 following a tense and hugely competitive three matches on the back pitches at Scotstoun.

The future stars of tomorrow produced some magic moments in front of a big crowd with each player giving their all in defence and attack.

The first match involved the S1 boys and after a tight opening half, Wallace pulled away in the second to secure victory and put their school in the driving seat.

The S2 boys and under-15 girls’ match were played at the same time and with each game ebbing and flowing in scoreline it provided great entertainment and palpable tension.

The S2 match ended in a dramatic tie with Wallace’s girls scoring a late try brace to edge past Eastwood and seal the title for their school.

It was a fitting conclusion to a high quality tournament played across seven weeks which saw more than 1,000 kids from 25 schools compete at the home of Glasgow Warriors.

Wallace High School coach Chris Jubb said: “I’m ecstatic, it has been a herculean effort from everyone and I am immensely proud with what they have achieved.

“I had a chat to the players before we arrived about the atmosphere and buzz around Scotstoun with Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby playing later.

“It’s not something they are used to but they coped very well.

“Now they have had a taste of this, they’ll want more.”

He continued: “It was great to see all the parents, family and friends coming to support the teams and the encouragement we got from the sidelines was outstanding.

“Huge credit also to Gordon Reid and his Eastwood High School players.

“Every game was tight as expected and they made the occasion a brilliant spectacle.

“We couldn’t have hoped for a better final.”

Eastwood High School coach Gordon Reid added: “To qualify for the semi-final and then the final was such a great achievement.

“I am proud of the players, it was a brilliant experience for them and something all our kids will remember for a long time.

“We were competing against a really experienced school and to push them as we did was brilliant.

“All round our three teams were fantastic and huge congratulations to Wallace High School.”

Wallace High School girls’ captain Jenna Duncan lifted the trophy aloft in front of 10,000 spectators during half-time of the Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh Rugby match.

The proud 15-year-old said: “We have been looking forward to the tournament since last year when we lost the final and to win is great.

“It’s the biggest prize we have ever won and we are all very happy and proud.

“All the matches were competitive and the Eastwood girls have a really good team.

“You could see they wanted to win as much as us and it was a tough game.”

Frank Mitchell, CEO at SP Energy Networks, said: “More than 1,000 boys and girls have visited Scotstoun since February, meeting professional players, learning new skills and building new friendships.

“Every school deserves praise for their efforts but the biggest congratulations go to our champions, Wallace High School, who have really shone throughout the competition.

“Our partnership with Glasgow Warriors supports communities right across the country and we hope to continue to encourage more young people into active, healthy lifestyles and the benefits of a career in engineering for girls and boys.”

SP Energy Networks, which operates across central and southern Scotland, is 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 have competed in this year’s competition which gives a platform to grassroots talent to display their skills at Scotstoun Stadium

Players of the match: Girls under-15s match – Cyan van Rensburg (Wallace High School), S1 boys match – Hamish McKay (Wallace High School), S2 boys match – Oliver Bowden (Eastwood High School)