Edinburgh Academy 34

Fettes College 5

EDINBURGH ACADEMY claimed the fourth semi-final spot in the Scottish Schools Under-18s Cup after defeating Fettes College at Arboretum this afternoon and will now face George Watson’s College at Myreside next Wednesday with a noon kick-off. In the other half of the draw, Stewart’s-Melville take on Marr at Inverleith next Thursday with a 1.30pm kick.

Experience of playing in the top tier of the schools conferences was a key factor in Edinburgh Academy’s win against a Fettes side that does not have the same exposure to high intensity competition week-in-week-out, as Duncan Harrison, the Fettes coach, conceded.

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“We play in the second tier conference and don’t have the same level of competition,” he said. “Overall they were much more confident than us and that showed in their decision-making. They out-smarted us. Their backs were very good. They were relentless in the second half. I think it helped them that they came into this match on the back of hard games against Watson’s and Merchiston.

Edinburgh Academy head coach Javier Palacios was pleased with the overall showing of his side. “We now face a tough game against Watson’s, but it is very good for the school to be back in the semi finals,” he said. “The last time we achieved this was in 2012 when we went on to win the Cup. ”

Pleasing for Academy’s coach Javier Palacios was the way his charges played with a fluent style.  “We tried to play fifteen man rugby and were very clinical in the second half. We scored two tries in the last ten minutes. Fettes were a very physical side and played with passion.” suggested Palacios.

Outstanding for Academy was hooker and man-of-the-match Dylan Edwin. The victorious teamwsfive tries were scored by full-back Harvey Cameron Barr (2), centre Cameron Campbell, wing Thomas Peel and stand-off Daniel Troup, who kicked three conversions and a penalty goal. For Fettes’ winger Jacob Babumba scored an impressive first half try.

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