Yesterday was a proud day for Merchiston Castle School as both the U16 and U18 teams played in the finals for their respective competitions in the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup. 
The evening began with a tight and well fought encounter at U16 between Merchiston and Strathallan with Merchiston the eventual victors in a match which ended 10-5. The Merchiston team played with dogged determination and defended well against a fast and fluid Strathallan backline.
The spectators, including pupils, staff, parents and members of the wider community offered excellent support at Murrayfield, in near freezing conditions.
The U18 Final between Merchiston and George Watson’s College was preceded by a most enjoyable and rousing display by the pipe bands from the two schools.
The spectators were treated to another close match, in which George Watson’s ran out the eventual winners, 22 -17 following an excellent try in the final minutes of the match.
A deserved win and Merchiston offers their congratulations to them on a fine display of rugby on the field. The evening was an excellent showcase for schools’ rugby. 
James Boyd, Director of Rugby, at Merchiston commented: “I am delighted with the success of the U16s and it is fitting testament to the boys’ efforts and commitment to their team this year. They have made significant progress as a squad and I look forward to seeing them develop further as they move into the Sixth Form. The U18s are bitterly disappointed, but can hold their heads high after a magnificent effort.”
Sporting achievement is an important part of life at Merchiston and the School is particularly proud of its strong rugby tradition:
• 62 Merchistonians have played at full International level, with 3 going on to play for the British Lions and 5 participating in Rugby World Cups
• Recent Merchistonians are now in the world of professional rugby playing on IRB Sevens Circuit, in the Aviva Premiership, RaboPro12 League or representing Scotland at Under 20 Level
• 63 Schoolboy Internationalists
• 5 times Scottish Schools’ Cup Winners at U18
• In 2010 Merchiston became the first Scottish school to reach the semi-finals of the Rosslyn Park Sevens and the National 15s Festival at St Joseph’s, the largest schoolboy tournament in the world.
• Extensive fixture list covers length and breadth of UK, including Rosslyn Park Sevens