New U18 Team - success already! (picture)

SWRU U18 Cup

Melrose Ladies newly formed U18 team have already surpassed expectations by reaching next Sundays SWRU Youth Cup final at Murrayfield. With many of the girls still 15 or 16 years of age it was envisaged that next season would the one to measure progress. The priority this season was to establish the side and get a few friendly fixtures, but having entered the cup competition they find themselves one game away from possibly lifting the cup. Recent victories included 60+ points as they swept aside Carrick Academy from Ayrshire. On Sunday they made the near 400 mile round trip to Grantown-on-Spey where they faced a big Grantown High School squad bolstered by players from other schools as far away as Inverness. Now they will contest the final against the well established and experienced Murrayfield Wanderers girl's side. It will be a very tall order for such a young side but they will hope to make it a Border double with Gala contesting the U15 final.

SWRU U18 Cup - semi final.

Grantown H.S. 31 Melrose U18 girls 37
A large crowd braved the elements to watch this game of end to end stuff, with the result in doubt right till the final whistle. Early injuries to some key players did not help the young Melrose team but it was a performance of determination that saw them through in the end. It was clear from the start that Melrose had the edge in skill and technique but Grantown had several fliers in their midst and were a constant threat. So it proved as the lead changed hands several times as Melrose dominated territory and worked several good tries only to be constantly pegged back by runaway breakouts by the pacy Grantown backs. In the end victory was just about deserved for their superior team work, making the long trip worthwhile. Now it is to be hoped that the aches and knocks are not too serious and they can recover to give 'Wandies' a run for their money this weekend.

At Grantown-on-spey

Date: 10/03/2008

Melrose Ladies Rugby