Shawlands Academy win SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship

Shawlands Academy won the 2018 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship on Friday after a thrilling victory over Wallace High School in the final at Scotstoun.

The Glasgow south side school went unbeaten throughout this year’s tournament which saw 24 schools and more than 1,000 boys and girls from across the west, central and southern Scotland take part during six weeks of action.

Shawlands Academy pushed Wallace High School all the way in front of a large crowd during Friday’s final.

Each competing school entered an S1 and S2 level boys team as well as an under-15s girls’ team into the 2018 SP Energy Network Warriors Championship and it was the S1 boys and under-15 girls who kicked-off the final at a sun-baked Scotstoun.

The girls match was an incredibly competitive contest with both sets of players giving their all in defence.

It remained one try apiece for a large part of the match before Shawlands scored two late second-half tries to seal a hard fought 3-1 victory.

In the S1 game, it was tit-for-tat with both teams scoring tries but Shawlands’ powerful runners ensured an 11-5 win which secured the 2018 title.

The S2 game was equally competitive with Shawlands showing their class to win 12-4.

Delighted Shawlands Academy coach Robbie Renwick said: “It has been a great day and a perfect night for the final.

“The games were really physical and both schools were up for it.

“I think our boys and girls put in some excellent performances.

“We have some talented pupils who love playing rugby and I am really proud of them.”

He continued: “This is one of our favourite competitions to play in.

“It has been really well organised and I would like to thank SP Energy Networks and Glasgow Warriors for putting on such a great event.”

Wallace High School coach Chris Jubb added: “Across the three matches everyone played their heart out and I’m very proud of our players.

“It was great to invite family, friends, staff and pupils from both schools and they generated a fantastic atmosphere.

“If it wasn’t for SP Energy Networks we wouldn’t have this competition so a huge thanks to them.

“They are a great community partner for Glasgow Warriors and it’s a real thrill for us to play against schools that we wouldn’t normally get to compete against.”

Both sets of players formed a guard of honour ahead of the Glasgow Warriors v Scarlets match on Friday whilst Shawlands Academy were presented with the 2018 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship trophy at half time, before taking part in a victory lap of honour.

The Most Valuable Players from each game also got to present the match ball ahead of kick-off.

They were Ruaridh McDowall (S1, Shawlands Academy), Josh Reid (S2, Shawlands Academy) and Neve Henderson (Girls, Wallace High School).

Ruaridh enthused: “It’s great to win the tournament and to present the match ball before the Glasgow Warriors game was amazing.”

Neve said: “It was so exciting presenting the match ball and I loved competing in this year’s competition.

“Coming together as a team with my friends is so much fun and I think that shows in the rugby we play.”

Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks, and Al Kellock, Glasgow Warriors Commercial Operations Manager, presented medals to the Shawlands Academy and Wallace High School players.

Mitchell said: “The final was fantastic and huge congratulations to all the schools who took part in this year’s SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.

“We’ve had over 1,000 kids take part in the tournament these past few months and it’s a great way for pupils to get involved in rugby.

“I am particularly pleased we had the girls teams involved this year and to see how well they performed.”

– At the beginning of this season Glasgow Warriors announced a landmark three-year partnership with SP Energy Networks which saw them become the club’s Official Community Partner.

SP Energy Networks, which operates across central and southern Scotland, are working with Glasgow Warriors on a wide-range of community initiatives, including the SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.