RUGBY 1ST XV REPORTS

2012 - 2013 Season

17 November - 1st XV v Robert Gordon’s College (Dollar 19 Robert Gordon's College 15)

This was a hard fought victory against a very committed RGC side who did well to come back from 19 – 3 down to pull within one score.  We dominated the first half, but with more clinical finishing, should and would have gone into the break with a more commanding lead.  We were made to pay for this as RGC came back at us and almost scored the decisive try with the last play of the game.  Well done to the boys for showing the heart and determination to see out the game.

10th November - 1st XV v Stewarts Melville (Dollar 17 Stewarts Melville 27)

This match, which was played for the Grant McKenzie Cup (in memory of Grant who was a pupil/boarder at Dollar and a teacher at Stewarts Melville, and sadly passed away several years ago) was an outstanding advert for schoolboy rugby in every sense.  Played at a ferocious intensity, and no little skill, both teams could have won this match, but it was Stewarts Melville who eventually closed out a very hard fought victory.

17 – 0 up after only 20 minutes, it seemed as though the Edinburgh side would run away with the game, but massive credit to the Dollar boys who showed real team spirit to fight their way back into the match and edge to within a score.  It was only a late penalty that allowed Stewarts Melville to pull away in the latter stages.  It is always difficult when you have lost a match, but in terms of performance, it was a significant step forward and the boys can be very proud of their efforts.

3rd November - 1st XV v St Aloysius (Dollar 50 St Aloysius' 12)

It was good to bounce back from the cup disappointment with a comfortable win against St Aloysius, and it was a confidence booster after a difficult week.  The boys dominated in all areas, and thoroughly deserved to win by a large margin.

26th October - 1st XV v Grosvenor Grammar School (Belfast) (Dollar 31 Grosvenor Grammar 0)

It was fantastic to have a touring side over from Belfast, and we knew it would be a tough match as they had given Loretto a good game the day before.  The holiday seemed to have done our boys some good however, as we produced a very accomplished display to record a 31 – 0 victory.  As the scoreline suggests, we defended extremely well, and scored 5 well worked scores.  The boys could now start to focus on Tuesday, and our quarter final of the Scottish Schools Cup against Dundee High School.

15th October - 1st XV v Dundee High (Dollar 7 Dundee High 10)

It is difficult to look back on this game with anything other than frustration, as we had more than enough territory and possession to win the game.  The effort of the players can’t be faulted, they gave everything, and pounded the Dundee line for much of the second half, but we quite simply did not take our chances.  Huge credit to Dundee for their brave defence, and for taking their chances, but we will definitely look back on this game as a missed opportunity.  Some might say it was unlucky, and in a way maybe it was, but more often than not in sport, you get what you deserve, and we need to learn from this and move on.  And score tries when on the opposition line!

6th October - 1st XV v Kelvinside (Dollar 26 Kelvinside 48)

This was quite simply an unacceptable performance from a Dollar 1st XV. Huge credit to Kelvinside, who played well and scored some very good tries, but too many Dollar boys are going through the motions and not showing the necessary heart and commitment required at this level. We have a break now before our quarter final at Dundee High on October 30th, but we will have to improve our attitude if we want to progress any further.

2nd October - 1st XV v Strathallan (Dollar 21 Strathallan 27)

This was an improved performance and effort from Saturday, but it was a case of missed opportunities against a strong Strathallan side. Despite considerable pressure in the early stages and several clear chances to score points, it was Strathallan who opened up a 10 point lead. Dollar fought their way back into the game with a penalty and a well worked Jacob Adamson score, but turned at halftime 9 points adrift.

Sustained pressure in the 2nd half led to the gap being closed, but mistakes in crucial areas allowed Strathallan to stay in front and close out a hard fought win.

29th September - 1st XV v Glasgow High (Dollar 17 Glasgow High 7)

This was a disjointed and lacklustre performance from the 1st XV, and disappointing given the form shown against Loretto and Merchiston. It was also a reminder to the players that they have to approach every game with the same intensity and commitment. A win's a win however, and credit to the boys for holding on, even when not playing well.

22nd September - 1st XV v Merchiston (Dollar 23 Merchiston 32)

After the impressive midweek cup defeat of Loretto, the boys faced the challenge of a very strong Merchiston side. A good start saw Dollar go 10 points clear, but Merchiston came back to take the lead midway through the first half. The teams reached the break level, and the lead changed hands several times in an exciting second half. Leading 25-23 going into the last minute, Merchiston won turnover ball and scored in the corner to seal victory. It was a fantastic game of rugby between two well matched sides.

18th September - 1st XV v Loretto School (Dollar 30 Loretto 25)

Dollar produced an outstanding performance to defeat a very big and physical Loretto side.  Loretto entered the match feeling confident, having warmed up for this match with a couple of resounding recent victories against Glenalmond and Fettes.

Playing into a stiff breeze in the first half, Dollar players scored four well-deserved tries and defended with bravery and determination.  The tackling was much improved from previous games, and this was the foundation of the Dollar victory, producing their best performance so far this season.  Loretto came back strongly in the second half, but the Dollar boys held on tenaciously.

Dollar Under-16s also won their first-round match, coming out 34 – 27 winners against Glasgow Academy.

15th September - 1st XV v Dundee High (29 - 17 Dollar)

Dollar travelled to Dundee hoping to continue their recent run of success against a Dundee side which had won all of their opening fixtures this season.

A great start produced a well worked team score for Lewis Hetman, but too many errors when in possession meant that Dundee were able to go in at halftime level. A competitive second half saw both teams go close, but it was Dundee who were more clinical, and they used the strong wind to their advantage as they ran in several tries from Dollar turnovers.

Overall it was a better defensive performance, but Dollar will need to look after the ball better and take their chances if they are to defeat Loretto in the cup on Tuesday.

11th September - 1st XV 53 - 38 Border Schools
Dollar followed up Saturdays disappointing defeat to Edinburgh Academy with an entertaining and hard fought victory over a very spirited and physical Borders Schools side. Dollar produced some excellent attacking play and scored some impressive team tries, but will still have to tighten up the defence if they are to win the tough games which lie ahead.

8th September - 1st XV v Edinburgh Academy

The 1st XV travelled to Edinburgh with hopes high of a positive result after the midweek performance against Bryanston School from Dorset. Unfortunately we produced our weakest performance so far, losing 55-22 to a very accomplished Edinburgh Academy side. The boys simply didn't get off the bus, and found themselves 41-5 down at halftime. An improved second half was of little consolation, and leaves us with much to work on for the season ahead.

4th September - 1st XV v Bryanston

The Dollar Academy 1st XV welcomed Bryanston School from Dorset for a two night stay this week.  Bryanston are a prestigious rugby school who are considered one of the best in England, so the boys knew what a challenge the match would be.

The teams ran on to the field to the sounds of bagpipes, with our two Junior 1 ball boys leading the way; an experience Bryanston say will live in the memory for a long time. 

Dollar took the lead through a well worked Alan Sutherland try after some excellent team play, and stood up to the considerable physical challenge in the early exchanges.  Bryanston gradually made their size and strength count as the half progressed, and deservedly took the lead as halftime approached. 

Two further tries after half time stretched their lead, but the Dollar boys showed tremendous team spirit, and some resolute defence, to work their way back into the game.  They scored their second try near the end, and could have had several more scores but for a final pass, or the odd slip near the line!

The final score was 31 – 14 to Bryanston, but Dollar produced an excellent team performance which bodes well the season, and overall it was a fantastic experience for all the boys.  We certainly hope to visit Bryanston in the near future for a return fixture.