Braidhurst u14s 5 v Craigmount 1

For the second year in row Braidhurst met Edinburgh side Craigmount in the final of the Scottish Shield. Both line-ups closely resembled the teams from last year’s game, which saw the Motherwell side running out 3-1 winners at Edinburgh’s Spartans’ Stadium.

This year saw a change in venue, with the tie switched to Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium stadium however, there was no change in result. Braidhurst won 5-1 to retain their title, a real achievement.

Braidhurst started the game with genuine intent and scored with their first real chance after only 4 minutes. Andrew McNulty’s excellent through ball was latched onto by Dylan Falconer who took a touch before dispatching the ball low beyond the despairing keeper. Ryan Watt doubled the lead minutes later after good work from Jordan Duncan on the right wing. A customary Watt turn and strike saw the net billow with his powerful low shot.

This observer’s goal of the game then followed after a lightning break up the right saw Falconer pick Watt out with a perfect cross, the strikers header was expertly placed in the top corner for number three.

The second half saw the usual Braidhurst rotation of keepers, from Adam Sinnett to Tony Sharkey. Darren Wilson came on for Nicholas Mullen after the midfielder felt a strain. Craigmount came out with all guns blazing and made it 3-1 with a header from a corner. At that point, Braidhurst were down to 10 men because Rico Quitongo was receiving treatment for an injury.

After a period of Craigmount pressure and some near misses, Falconer restored the three goal lead with a cool strike. Quitongo made it 5 in the last minute to put the seal on a fine Braidhurst victory.

Rector Mr Derrick Hannan commented, “This was an absolutely fantastic team performance by the under 14 boys. They won the equivalent shield for under 13’s last year but to repeat the feat is just incredible. They are a very skilful group of players who have definitely gained a great deal from the daily coaching provided by Paul Burns through the School of Football scheme. They certainly fully deserved their win and played football of a very high standard. Thanks must also go to their two teachers Mr Madill and Mr Brandon for their management of the squad”.

S1 pupils studying French have been involved in peer work on the topic of ‘Ma Journee Scolaire’ recently. The pupils were set the task of designing, in pairs, a large poster outlining in French one particular day at school. They were asked to include factual information such as the times of the school day and what they do during the interval and lunchtimes, as well as activities carried out in classroom situations. They also expressed opinions and reasons for holding these opinions about a variety of school subjects in French. Details pertaining to the school uniform were also given and pupils were encouraged to check the accuracy of their French using their resources. Finally, the pupils illustrated their posters with images of their school life, taking into account the target audience. The posters were then judged by the class and awarded an appropriate grade at Third Level.

The activity was completed to a very high standard by all classes, and enabled them to work in pairs, showing respect for others and assuming areas of responsibility for the task. It was an excellent example of pupils carrying out Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes for Modern Languages, Literacy and Health and Wellbeing and they were able to practice skills for life, work and learning in the process.

Recently, 3^rd year School of Football pupils from Braidhurst High provided invaluable assistance to four Motherwell FC staff members who were attempting to gain their UEFA Advanced Youth Licences under the guidance of Ritchie Wilson from the Scottish FA.

The boys enthusiasm, talent, work rate all contributed to a very successful and enjoyable afternoon for all the participants and coaches.

Keith Lasley the Motherwell Captain commented “The boys worked incredibly hard and we are grateful to them, the school, the staff for allowing us to use the facility and players this afternoon”.

Braidhurst High School is delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for their summer show, Bugsy Malone. Set in 1929 New York City, the show follows boxing promoter and gangster, Bugsy in his flashy world of would-be hoodlums, showgirls, and dreamers. Bugsy is accompanied by other well-known characters including Fat Sam, Blousey Brown, Dandy Dan, and of course, the irrepressible Tallulah. With splurge guns and cream pies a-plenty, you’d be an Ordinary Fool to miss this production! Tickets are available from Mrs Hunter by telephoning the school on 01698 2784999 and are priced at £4 for adults, £2 for Children/Concessions. A family value ticket is available for £10.

Come and join us for an evening of entertainment which celebrates the talents of Braidhurst on Wednesday 19^th, Thursday 20^th and Friday 21^st June.

Prizegiving will take place on the very last day of term, Thursday 27 June, with the Convener of Learning and Leisure Services, Councillor Jim Logue as Principal Guest.

Pupils in upper school are currently making final preparations for the highlight of their year, namely the Senior Prom. This will take place in the Popinjay Hotel on Thursday 6 June with the largest ever turn out of pupils.

Braidhurst (Under 14’s) 3 Peter the Apostle 0

Braidhurst eased into the final of the Scottish Shield with a comfortable 3-0 win over Peter the Apostle from Clydebank.

After some initial pressure Braidhurst took an early lead when Dylan Falconer got his head onto a looping Jake Hastie corner from the right. It was another Hastie corner that led to Johnny McCabe doubling the score line minutes later as he finished at the back post.

With their centre backs dominant Braidhurst controlled the rest of the half going in with a 2-0 lead. After the break Peter the Apostle managed to get back into the game gaining some midfield possession but failed to turn any of it into clear cut chances.

After a succession of near misses from Darren Wilson, Andrew McNulty and Dylan Falconer it was left to Jake Hastie to make the game for the side in red making it 3-0 with about 15 minutes later.

Braidhurst can now look forward to facing either their old foes from last year Craigmount or St Andrews Academy in the final.