Academy fight back to lift Under 16s Schools Plate

Oban High School 15

GALASHIELS Academy edged past a plucky Oban High School side to claim victory in the Under 16 Schools Plate final at BT Murrayfield.

It was a closely fought encounter which saw both sides battle in tough wintery conditions.

Gala were first on the scoreboard when centre Kerr Johnstone cantered down the touchline to score in the corner (5-0).

Oban’s response was prompt, however, as the west coast side rallied and scored two tries courtesy of Blair MacFarlane and Naithan McCulloch. Both conversion attempts fell short (5-10).

After the interval, Oban continued to dominate the proceedings and with momentum growing, the side claimed their third try when Kenni Gray dotted down on the line (5-15).

Galashiels retaliated when Matt Reid burst through the defence to power over the whitewash.

The score deficit was reduced to just three points as Reid converted his own try (12-15).

In the closing stages of the game, Gala launched themselves into action once again and it wasn't long until the ball found Gregor Collins who crashed over the line to bring the Borders side into the lead (17-15).

As the clock approached full-time, Oban mounted a last gasp attack and were agonisingly close to scoring but a knock-on brought an end to their attempted comeback.