Having taken a seven point lead by half-time, they blew Stewarts-Melville away in the second period with four terrific tries.

After the game, victorious Edinburgh Academy coach Mike Allingham, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to win at such a key moment. I’m really happy with the way we played.

“We did a lot of good stuff in the first half which was incredibly tight. But we carried on with the same attitude and the scores eventually came.”

Stew Mel coach Jimmy Moran added: “The better team won by a long way. The try before half-time killed us a bit but what I would say is that the players are a real credit to the school.

“It would’ve been easy to give up so I was proud to see them push for the try at the end.”

Both sides started the match vigorously and much of the first half was an evenly-sided affair.

Edinburgh Academy were first to be handed an opportunity to put points on the board but centre Alex Swan hit the left upright.

Stewarts Melville proceeded to mount significant attacks, and came close to crossing the line on a number of occasions, but the Academy defence held firm and their pacey outside backs capitalised on individual lapses at every opportunity.

Despite Stew Mel’s creativity early in the match, a second opportunity came Accies’ way and this time Swan made no mistake. (0-3)

Following another miss from Swan, Stewarts Melville stand-off Scott Docherty slotted his first penalty to level the scores. (3-3)

But as the first half ticked towards its conclusion, Edinburgh Academy seized the initiative and crossed the line in fine style.

Stew Mel had to win a lineout on their 22 in order to clear imminent danger. They won ball, but menacing Accies No.8 Andrew McWillam pinched possession and rampaged through two tacklers to dot down underneath the posts. Swan added the conversion. (3-10)

Half-time score: Stewart’s Melville College 3-10 Edinburgh Academy

Just as they had closed the first half on a high, Edinburgh Academy carried their momentum into the second with a blistering attack up the left wing.

As they made their way back infield, centre Tom Grey straightened-up their play and made a direct surge for the line. Swan converted. (3-17)

Another score quickly followed and it was again the left flank that was the preferred route. This time scrum-half Fraser Graham was the one to stretch over. Swan slotted a sublime conversion from the touchline. (3-24)

Edinburgh Academy stamped their authority on the scoreboard just before the 50th minute when centre Tom Grey grabbed his second when they again crossed in the left corner. (3-29)

Stewart’s Melville refused to give up and were almost through as centre Russell Grant shook off numerous Accies on his way to the corner. But it wasn’t to be and they retreated.

Salt was then added to Stew Mel’s wounds as centre Russell Grant was sent to the sin bin leaving his team a man down for the final ten minutes.

Edinburgh Academy capitalised on Stew Mel’s weakness in numbers and soon found themselves with an overlap out on the left. Winger William Graham stormed past the final defender to cross the line. Swan converted. (3-36)

No matter the scoreline, Stewart’s Melville showed tremendous character and spirit in this encounter on the international pitch and made sure they had the final say of the game. Flanker Shane Brown was the man to cross for what was to be a consolation score. (8-36)

Full-time score: Stewart's Melville College 8-36 Edinburgh Academy

Brewin Dolphin Man of the Match: Tom Grey (Edinburgh Academy)

Stewart’s Melville College: Ryan Frost; Damon Salmanzedeh, Russell Grant, Jesper Price, Scott Murchie; Scott Docherty, Mark Statham; Will Kesley, Lewis Begbie, Bruce Gorrie, Matt Hutcheson, Alex Clayton CAPTAIN, Shane Brown, Mark Lowes, Harry Turner
Substitutes: Grant Baillie, Graeme Wilson, Chris Ward, Ali Scott, Peter Mair, Rory Gardner, Cammy McCall

Edinburgh Academy: Sam Bendit; Michael Scott, Alex Swan, Tom Grey, William Graham; Gair Currie, Fraser Graham; Francois Masure, Mack Millar, Constantinos Plevris-Papaioannou, Jamie Spratt, James Balfour, Fergus Greig, Rory Simpson, Andrew McWilliam
Substitutes: Tom Mullen, Colin Steedman, Jamie Lanc, Callum Peace, Connor Turner, Robin Rowbottom, James Wilson