WALLACE High School took part in the 2018 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship final on Friday at Scotstoun Stadium, the home of Glasgow Warriors.

The Stirling school one through two rounds of qualifying and played Glasgow-based Shawlands Academy in the final.

This year's tournament 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 took the honours in the final but Wallace High School pushed them all the way in front of a large crowd.

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 defending champions Shawlands Academy showing their class to win 12-4.

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 a fantastic final and I am really chuffed for the Wallace High School pupils who went one better than last year to make the final.”

He added: "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 professional rugby 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 in front of 10,000 fans.

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

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."