Dundee High School produced a heroic second-half effort at Murrayfield but lost the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup final 31-17 to holders George Watson’s College.
High appearing in the final for the first time since the disappointment of 2004 were staring down the barrel at 17-3 behind at half-time after conceding two tries in the first ten minutes.
But they produced a thrilling rally to score two tries in the space of three minutes to get back to 24-17.
Back-rowers Brewster White and Ollie Davidson produced the two scores that had a vocal travelling support from the City of Discovery believing the comeback was on.
Instead, the slick and well-drilled Watson’s team were able to regain control and after a lengthy period of scrambling defence by High denied them, full-back Jamie Cousin slipped through the white wall for the clinching try with four minutes remaining.
Impressive fly-half Callum Young had two tries for Watson’s with wings Robbie Nairn and Ben Robbins getting their other counters.
Duncan Leese kicked a penalty and two conversions for High.
A big and noisy crowd of 5609 watched the final on the Murrayfield international pitch, seeing Watson’s become the first team since Dollar Academy in 2004 to win in successive years.
For a full match report and reaction, see Thursday’s Courier or try our digital edition.