Glasgow Academy 15 Carrick Academy 14
High School of Glasgow 33 Hutchesons GS 7

Alan Lorimer in the Herald

Setting standard for state sector
Published on 13 March 2012

Alan Lorimer

Carrick Academy came close to achieving a significant result on Saturday when the Ayrshire school was pipped 15-14 scoreline by Glasgow Academy.

Both Carrick tries were scored by the flanker Gordon Gregor with Kris Boyle (2)and Scott Henderson replying for Academy.

The closeness of the game is a pointer to the progress made by Carrick Academy, whose faculty head, Gordon Brown, was named as SRU club volunteer of the month for his success with Kilmarnock Rugby Club, who recently won the RBS West Regional Shield, and for driving forward the sport at Carrick Academy.

Brown, who acknowledges the assistance of two SVQ apprentices and the support of South Ayrshire Council and funding from his own school, has achieved a massive take-up of rugby the school.

"There has been a huge effect on pupils in terms of motivation and discipline and rugby has the backing of parents. They want the programme we've set up in S1 and S2 to continue into S3 and are willing to help fund it," said Brown.

One of the SRU's schools which benefit from the proceeds-of-crime fund, Carrick's provides the model by which it is hoped rugby can flourish in tge state school sector. If it can be replicated in other state schools, then the game in Scotland would be the beneficiary.

Elsewhere, Glasgow High achieved a 33-7 win over Hutchesons' Grammar on Saturday and this weekend will bring the curtain down on what has been a successful season for the Old Anniesland side with a match against Robert Gordon's College.

Merchiston Castle gave themselves a boost ahead of the Powder Byrne tens tournament at London Scottish this weekend by winning their own sevens tournament at Colinton on Saturday with a 21-17 victory over Edinburgh Academy.

This article was originally posted on 13-Mar-2012, 07:46 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 13-Mar-2012, 07:48.