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Edinburgh Accies 8 Aberdeen Grammar 13
Grammar shrugged off their stuttering league form to march into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup after winning through in a fiercely contested tie with Edinburgh Accies, switched to an artificial pitch at Murrayfield.
Head coach Kevin Wyness was delighted with the win, Based on sound defending, and said: “We coped well with the faster pitch. I think we were hungrier than Accies. I thought our attitude was good, we were very aggressive, but controlled.
“I am delighted for the players. Perhaps playing in the shadow of Murrayfield inspired the guys. I’d love to be back there for the final, but first we have to avoid relegation.”
Grammar started well, taking an early lead in five minutes when stand off Rob Aloe kicked a penalty.
But despite enjoying the advantage of a strong wind it took until the 33rd minute to extend their lead, when prop Matt Schosser plunged over for an unconverted try.
Alex Black kicked a penalty late in the half for Accies making it 3-8 at the interval.
Grammar stunned the home team 10 minutes into the second half, pushing further ahead through full back Steve Aitken who nipped over in the corner for an unconverted try.
Two yellow cards for the visitors threatened to halt their progress to the last four, but despite losing winger Calum Gordon and number eight Tom Preece for 10 minutes, Grammar held out, conceding only a lone try to prop Duncan Morrison.
It was, however, only stout defending which prevented the Raeburn Place side from scoring again.
Grammar join Gala, Glasgow Hawks and Heriot’s in the last four, but will first have to meet Melrose at Rubislaw in a vital game for both sides, albeit at different ends of the Premiership.
On this form Grammar proved they can be a match for any side, and cannot be written off in their three remaining fixtures against Melrose, Currie and Glasgow Hawks.
© Jack Nixon
Edinburgh Accies: Jamie Sole; Nyle Godsmark, Ewen Campbell, Iain Berthunussen (captain), Chris Dean; Ruairidh Bonner, Alex Black; Duncan Morrison, Michael Liness, Shaun Strudwick, Jamie McCarthy, Alex Toolis, Robin Snape, Hamish Watson and Callum Reid.
Replacements: Callum Black, Clem Lacqor, Greg Campbell, Ronan Seydak, Jack Marples and Alex Glashan.
Aberdeen: Stevie Aitken; Erlend Oag, Harry Duthie, Greig Ryan (captain), Will Wardlaw; Rob Aloe, Morgan Ward; Matt Schosser, Sam Bingham, Struan Cessford, Stuart Smith, Jamie Metcalfe, Ally Mackie, Tony McGinness and Tom Preece.
Replacements: Matt Dixon, Sean O’Connor, Matthew Emmison, Sam Knudson, Jamie Lauder and Calum Gordon.
Referee: Peter Allan