CURRIE colts are entering 2009 on a high after emerging as the standard-bearers for Edinburgh in a new-look national rugby competition.
The Malleny Park outfit will visit West of Scotland on January 24 for the semi-final of the revised Scottish under-18 cup.
They have already beaten Capital rivals BATS 22-3, Angus Colts 48-8 and Aberdeen Grammar FPs 40-3 in the revamped competitio
n.
In the other semi-final Stirling County face GHA and, whatever the permutations, Currie manager Bob Ormiston is optimistic that his young charges can keep doing themselves proud.
He said: "This is the first year that the later stages of the tournament haven't had to be reached through a regional league and the format seems to have suited us.
"We have also reaped the benefits of an earlier start than usual.
"Back in June, first-team players Mark Cairns and Kevin McShane took charge of fitness training before handing on to coaches Sean Scott and Campbell Reynolds and results have been highly encouraging.
"Besides being in the top half of the Edinburgh league and progressing in the national cup, we've also had a lot of success on the representative front.
"When our stand-off, Matthew Scott, stepped up to the senior side the captaincy fell upon centre Alan Whittingham.
"He not only took the responsibility in his stride but claimed a place in Edinburgh's under-18s.
"Also Fergus Scott (hooker), Denis Peck (prop), Andy Philp (prop), Calum Ormiston (lock), Aaron Ferguson (No.8) and Joe Stachan (scrum half) have made the district under-17 squad.
"That fills us with particular hope, given that most of our lads are eligible next year, too, regardless of how the next few months, which also see us go into a new Borders-Edinburgh competition, unfold."
