The S2 School of Rugby from Perth Academy, yesterday narrowly missed out to Selkirk High School in the final of the East Region School of Rugby Festival at Murrayfield yesterday after powering through to the final after 3 great exhibitions of flowing rugby in the group stages.

The team, led by captain Ciaran Marnoch, played against strong opposition from Hawick High School, Larbert High and Glenwood High (Glenrothes) in their group and the boys stepped their performances up with dynamic displays of offloading rugby and strong running against all 3 teams to get through to the final where they would face Selkirk.

In the final, Perth Academy took the lead through the talismanic Jamie Munro but a strong and disciplined Selkirk outfit fought back against tiring Perth Academy legs to snatch victory with the last play of the game.

Nothing should be taken away from the Perth Academy boys though as they played with a verve and dynamism that won praise from other coaches. Coupled with exemplary behaviour and sportsmanship, each and everyone of the boys can hold their head high.

The School of Rugby programme, funded by the SRU through the Cashback for Communities Fund and delivered in Perth Academy by the Perthshire Rugby Development Team, gives kids an opportunity to experience learning and develop physical and social confidence through Rugby. Perth Academy is one of just 20 schools in the country embarking in this unique curricular programme which looks at dealing with lifestyle, physical competence and classroom subjects through 5 rugby sessions a week.