Robert Gordon’s College enjoyed a historic afternoon at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 17 January, lifting the U18 Scottish Schools Shield with a dramatic 26-21 victory over Dollar Academy in a thrilling final.

Played on the iconic Murrayfield pitch as part of Scottish Rugby’s Schools Finals Day, the match was a showcase of resilience, belief and togetherness, as RGC’s 1st XV produced a remarkable comeback to secure the Shield.

The sense of occasion was evident long before kick-off. The Robert Gordon’s College Pipe Band proudly marched into Murrayfield and performed a stirring rendition of Flower of Scotland, creating a memorable and emotional backdrop for the final. The stands awash with banners, flags and school colours as former pupils, parents, staff, sponsors and supporters brought the stadium to life, cheering the team on from the first whistle to last, adding to the unforgettable atmosphere.

Dollar Academy made a strong start, capitalising on early momentum to race into a 14-0 lead. Their physicality and clinical finishing tested RGC’s resolve, but the 1st XV gradually grew into the game. 

Just before half-time, Full Back Temi A provided a vital breakthrough, breaking down the right before cutting inside to score. He converted his own try to bring the score back to 14-7 at the interval, shifting momentum and belief within the RGC ranks.

The second half saw RGC 1st XV respond early in the second half when Temi scored his second try in the corner, finishing a well-worked move created by Henry H on the right flank.  to close the gap further, before Dollar Academy briefly restored their advantage with another converted try.

Captain James R then led from the front, powering over from a driving maul as RGC continued to apply pressure. With Temi once again accurate from the tee, the contest entered its final moments on a knife-edge.

With only minutes remaining, RGC’s 1st XV delivered the decisive moment. Exploiting space on the blind side, Temi completed a superb hat-trick, rounding the final defender to score the try that gave RGC the lead for the first time. His conversion sealed a 26-21 win, sparking jubilant celebrations among players, pupils, staff and supporters.

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.

“The season couldn’t have gone much better. Our last game before the final against Glenalmond was a real highlight and statement of intent before it was unfortunately postponed. The boys stayed active over the Christmas break and understood the significance of what was still to come. When the snow came, we all found a way to get together and train to make sure we were as prepared as possible.

“The game itself wasn’t perfect, but what never fails to amaze me is the togetherness and fight this group shows for each other. At 14-0 and 21-12 down, we were never out of the contest. This group of players are as resilient as it gets, and not once did a single one of them think about giving up.

“The boys deserve all the credit in the world. To run out at Murrayfield is unbelievable, but to get over the finish line and win was the icing on the cake. It was an extremely special day and one I will remember for the rest of my life. It really was a career highlight.”

Head of Rugby Mr McKay echoed those sentiments, adding: “I am immensely proud of our 1st XV and their achievement in winning the Scottish Schools Shield Competition. 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.”

The Shield triumph represents a landmark moment for Robert Gordon’s College rugby. The players’ determination, commitment and unity throughout the season culminated in a performance befitting the national stage. Captain James R 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.”

Robert Gordon’s College would also like to extend sincere thanks to all former pupils, parents, pupils, sponsors (ADC Energy Ltd and RBC Brewin Dolphin), and supporters for their incredible backing throughout the season and on such a memorable day at Murrayfield. Mr Riddle concluded: “I want to thank the players and their families for all the support over the season. All the late nights training and long bus trips south were worth it. It really was the stuff of dreams on Saturday.”