After just over 20 months, Tuesday 21st September saw the return of competitive rugby on a bright and blustery afternoon. Fettes, competing in the East Conference for the first time, took on Merchiston Castle, our great, friendly rivals.

This was very much a voyage into the unknown and a big step up in class for Fettes, having previously been very successful in the Eclipse Conference over many years. There were nerves from the players after such a long time away from these matches, but all teams performed superbly and there were some excellent results across all teams and age groups.  The 1^st and 2^ndXV were shorn of a host of regular starters, however, the teams that took the pitch showed typical bravery in the face of very big and very skilled opponents. Both games were lost, but much was learned for the rest of the campaign.

The Senior Colts could only raise 15 players due to illness and isolating. They performed heroically though to defeat Merchiston 19-13 with Jayden A and Connor S the standout players. The Colts A & B teams finished the day undefeated with the A team never trailing during a thrilling 24-24 draw, Merchiston scoring with a minute of the game to go to level the scores. Edward M, Max L and Rory B were the standout performers, but the whole team deserve credit for an amazing performance. The B team won a thrilling match 41-36 in an end-to-end display with Finlay G, Yezhi Z and Gregoire B outstanding. 

The Junior Colts A & B teams defeated Merchiston comfortably to finish off a remarkable day for the College.  The A team, although never in complete control of the game it was apparent that once in the lead Fettes (12 points up after a frenzied opening 15 mins) would have all the resources to keep Merchiston at arms distance on the scoreboard. The returning Hugo H and the ‘new boy’ Yokov K both impressed in the pack. And Glen G (captain for the day) showed what an all-rounder he is in the centre position.

An overall 15 points to 13 Conference victory against Merchiston is a tremendous achievement and is one that should give the players huge confidence before they resume against Stewart’s Melville College at the start of October.  

Mark Appleson 
Director of Sport