Robert Gordon’s College (RGC) celebrated a historic afternoon at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 17 January, as the school’s 1st XV were crowned U18 Scottish Schools Shield champions following a dramatic 26-21 victory over Dollar Academy at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
Played on
the iconic Murrayfield pitch as part of Scottish Rugby’s Schools Finals Day,
the final was a showcase of resilience, teamwork and belief, with RGC producing
a remarkable comeback to lift the Shield on the national stage.
It had been
20 years since an RGC 1st XV last graced the Murrayfield turf, and the sense of
occasion was evident long before kick-off. The Robert Gordon’s College Pipe
Band proudly marched into the stadium and delivered a stirring rendition of
Flower of Scotland, setting an emotional tone for the final. The stands were
awash with banners, flags and school colours, as former pupils, parents, staff,
sponsors and supporters created an electric atmosphere, backing the team from
first whistle to last.
Dollar
Academy made a strong start to establish a 14-0 lead, but RGC responded with
composure and determination, with full back Temi A scoring and converting just
before half-time to reduce the deficit to 14-7. RGC continued to build momentum
after the restart as Temi crossed again in the corner, finishing a well-worked
move created by Henry H on the right wing, before Dollar briefly restored their
advantage. Captain James R then led from the front with a powerful try from a
driving maul, setting up a tense finale. In the closing minutes, RGC struck
decisively, exploiting space on the blind side for Temi to complete a superb
hat-trick and convert, sealing a dramatic 26–21 victory and sparking jubilant
celebrations.
Reflecting on the achievement, 1st XV Coach Mr Riddle said: “Saturday still hasn’t quite sunk in yet. It doesn’t feel real. To be associated with this group of players is genuinely one of the biggest honours of my life. They set the goal to win the competition at the start of the season and have trained relentlessly in order to achieve what was a big target.
“At 14-0 and 21-12 down, we were never out of the contest. This group of players are as resilient as it gets. To run out at Murrayfield is unbelievable, but to win there was the icing on the cake.”
Head of Rugby Mr McKay echoed those sentiments, adding: “I am immensely proud of our 1st XV. This success is an accumulation of their hard work under the excellent stewardship of coach Mr Riddle and captain James R since coming together as a senior squad back in July. It was particularly pleasing to see so much support from the wider school and across the whole Rugby Programme at Murrayfield. The support was fantastic as the 1st XV strove for the win - it really felt like a victory for the whole school and programme.”
James R, Captain and Glasgow Warriors U18 hooker, reflected: “I couldn’t be prouder of this win and it means so much to us as players but we also know how much it means to the whole school community. It feels extra special as we are a tight group of players. A lot of us have played together since S1. To come this far still doesn’t feel real. It was an amazing day, which will replay in our heads forever. A massive thank you is owed to our coaches, parents and schoolmates who have supported us through the ups and downs all season long.”
RGC has extended sincere thanks to former pupils, parents, pupils, sponsors (ADC Energy Ltd and RBC Brewin Dolphin), and supporters for their backing throughout the season and on such a memorable day at Murrayfield. As Mr Riddle concluded: “All the late nights training and long bus trips south were worth it. It really was the stuff of dreams on Saturday.”
Robert Gordon’s College is more than just a school, it is a community. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, vibrant co-curricular activities, outstanding pastoral care, and exceptional facilities, it offers an inspiring educational journey from Nursery through to Senior School. Find out more at www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk/beginyourjourney.