Aberdeen Grammar 24 Dundee High Rugby 0

Aberdeen Grammar 24 Dundee High Rugby 0

Aberdeen Grammar took a huge stride towards securing a place in the quarter-finals of the Caledonia Cup after easing past Dundee High in atrocious conditions at Rubislaw.

But Grammar must still avoid defeat in at least two of their three remaining fixtures in the section – against Aberdeenshire, Kirkcaldy and Howe of Fife

Coach Kevin Wyness was delighted with the outcome, which will serve as good preparation for the club’s struggle against relegation – in particular Saturday’s game at Ayr.

He said: “Not conceding a point was a huge plus.

“We defended magnificently. I thought our front row of Matt Dixon, Sam Bingham and Struan Cessford were outstanding, while Sam Knudson had his best game in a Grammar jersey.”

Grammar took time to get into their stride before coming to terms with the enterprising Taysiders, surviving early pressure before stunning them with their first attack of the game in 15 minutes.

Knudson made space on the right, enabling Grammar’s most lethal attacked, Erlend Oag, to race in under the posts for a try which stand off Knudson converted.

Dundee were again caught out on the half-hour when Harry Duthie, a former favourite at the Mayfield club, showed a clean pair of heels with a 30-yard dash to the line for a touchdown duly converted by the impressive Knudson.

Playing with the elements in the second half, Grammar dictated the play, although the organised, tidy play of Colin Robertson’s side still troubled the hosts but lacked the necessary punch to breach the home line.

Grammar effectively ended the game in 46 minutes when Oag once again outstripped the Dundee defence. Knudson kicked his third conversion before kicking a late penalty in the gathering gloom to complete a good day for the rain-lashed Rubislaw faithfull which, on this performance, will entertain hopes of surviving the drop.

The trip to Ayr will, however, be a different kettle of fish.

Grammar’s win ensured they retained the Dally Allardice Trophy, which is played for every time the sides meet.

© Jack Nixon

Aberdeen Grammar: Steve Aitken; Erlend oag, Harry Duthie, Will Wardlaw, Callum Gordon; Sam Knudson, Morgan Ward; Matt Dixon, Sam Bingham, Struan Cessford; Jamie Metcalfe, Andy Cramond; Greig Ryan, Tony McGinness, Tom Preece.

Replacements: Michael Cox, Matt Schosser, Stuart Smith, Graeme Clow, Jamie Lauder

Dundee High: Bryce Hosie; Matt O’Sullivan, Nick Alston, Tim McKavanagh, Mike Brown; Jason Stewrt, Andy Dymock; Stephen Longwell, Darrell Russell, Alan Brown; James Mulligan, Chris Cumming; Richie McIver, Hamish Livingston, Danny Levison.

Replacements: Blair Cochrane, Calum Bowie, Anthony Kent, Jonny Gibson, Mike Stubbs.