Balfron High School returned to Stirling last week as runners-up in the ScottishPower Warriors Rugby Championship.

The team "showed real heart and determination" over a three-month-long tournament, spanning the length and breadth of the country.

It saw a total of 840 students from 20 schools play over 2,500 minutes of rugby and score over 1,200 tries.

Represented by their three teams of S1 (boys), S2 (boys) and under-15s (girls), Balfron played heroically, spurred on by Glasgow Warrior and Scotland International Mark Bennett who offered advice and encouragement throughout the day.

Ultimately, the team were defeated as Shawlands Academy from Glasgow claimed victory in a tightly-contested final that took place at Scotstoun Stadium on May 6.

The game served as a curtain-raiser to the 1872 Cup Final, the annual derby between Glasgow and Edinburgh - the oldest representative fixture in world rugby.  

As new entrants in this year’s 20 team competition, Balfron have proved to be an excellent addition to the tournament and have represented themselves superbly in their quest to claim the ScottishPower Warriors trophy at the first attempt.

As reward for their efforts, students at Balfron will get the chance to train with the Glasgow Warriors stars.

An as an added consolation, student Christiaan Lamb (CORR) received the player of the day award in the S2 boys category.

Designed to promote active, healthy lifestyles amongst young people across Scotland, the ScottishPower Warriors Rugby Championship, now in its second year, is a fundamental part of ScottishPower’s three-year sponsorship of Glasgow Warriors and its commitment to supporting grassroots sport in Scotland.

Gary Dalziel, S2 coach at Balfron High School, said: “The whole school is really proud of all of the players who have represented Balfron in this tournament.

"The Championship has given a number of new players the chance to play competitive rugby for the first time, particularly for some of our girls’ teams which is helping to raise profile of the game even more in the school.

"We’re disappointed not to have come away with the win but it’s been a great competition to be a part of and the students have learned a lot about rugby, its values and themselves."

Alastair Kellock, Scottish Rugby Ambassador, added: "Balfron High school have been excellent throughout the tournament and showed real heart and determination today.

"It has been a great second year for the ScottishPower Warriors Rugby Championship following the increase in the number of teams and we hope to continue to inspire the next generation of players coming through the ranks.

"It would be great to see Balfron back as part of next year’s Championship as well as welcoming any new entrants who have followed the competition from this year."