Girls’ Schools Cup PREVIEW Familiar colours challenge for the Cup

Familiar colours will grace the Scotstoun pitch this Saturday (26 November) as Biggar High School and Shawlands Academy return to defend their U18 and U15 titles respectively.

Community School of Auchterarder also return and Liberton High School will pose a new challenge after a fiercely contested semi-final.

U18 Final

The U18 final sees a replay of last year’s final where Biggar High School narrowly got the better of Community School of Auchterarder.

Both teams recorded comfortable victories on their way to the final and will be eager to get off to a flying start when the whistle goes.

The challengers have built a strong team and will be aiming to turn the tables on last year’s result.

Coach at the Community School of Auchterarder, Phil Shore, said: “We have been working on fitness and cohesive play but our biggest improvement has been team work as the team start to spend more time together.

“We are building this young squad, who have only just come together, towards the future as they will be our senior team.”

Defending champions Biggar saw off U15 finalists Shawlands Academy with an impressive display in the semi-finals but know they will have a job on their hands against a team that has run them close in the past.

Coach at Biggar High School, Kevin Scott, said: “We know that Community Schools of Auchterarder are a strong side. We had a very closely contested game in last year’s final and are looking forward to another enjoyable fixture.

“Our biggest improvement this season has been the introduction of our new players stepping up from U15 level. Not one of them have looked out of place in the ‘step up’ and are providing great firepower in all areas of the pitch.

“We are eager to get out there for the Cup Final and hopefully retain our title.

“It means a lot to myself and the girls to be playing at Scotstoun Stadium again for the second year in a row. As big Glasgow Warriors fans, it’s great for the girls to run through the tunnel and compete for a trophy where their idols play on a weekly basis.”

U15 Final

The U15 competition sees defending champions Shawlands Academy take on Liberton High School.

Shawlands are relishing the opportunity to return to Glasgow after an impressive victory over a strong Biggar side in the semi-finals

Head of the School of Rugby at Shawlands Academy, Robbie Renwick, said: “The girls have played at Scotstoun before and loved it. I think our experience in the final last year will help us cope with any nerves on the day.

“In the lead-up to the game we will be working on doing the basics well – rucking, line speed and quick hands. We are always working hard on our skills at the break down as we feel this is one of our strengths.”

Liberton have shown great commitment over the course the season and has integrated new players into the squad to make the most of their talent.

Having progressed on try difference, seven tries to five, after a tense draw with Carrick Academy, they are eager to enjoy the occasion while not letting it overawe them.

Development Officer/Coach at Liberton High School, Eric Jones, said: “We’ve really enjoyed the season so far playing in both the Mitsubishi Motors East Girls’ Conference and the Girls’ Schools’ Cup.

“Shawlands won this Cup last year, so we know that they’ll be keen to keep a hold of it and it’ll be a tough challenge.

“We’ll be making sure that the players enjoy the lead up to the final. It’s a great achievement for the players and we want to make sure that the whole squad has a part to play and that everyone enjoys the experience.”