Longest running schools rivalry of all

NOT the least of Merchiston’s claims to rugby is their participation in the world’s longest running fixture against great local rivals Edinburgh Academy. To date they have met on 242 occasions since 1858 with Merchiston claiming 147 wins with a further 29 games drawn.

Although the Academy have produced considerably more Scotland internationals, Merchiston have generally been in the ascendency, especially in recent years when they have inflicted some heavy defeats on the old enemy.

Rugby was introduced to Scotland when two English schoolboys, Alexander and Francis Crombie, arrived at the Academy from Durham School in 1856 armed with a rules book, and Edinburgh switched to the rugby version of the game. Within months Merchiston did likewise and the scene was set.

In 1857, a Merchiston student John Crum wrote a letter to a friend David Murray, in which he said: “We are playing Football now and expect to come to close quarters with the renowned Edinburgh Academy.”

Initially a much anticipated match against the Academy was cancelled “on account of a general cold” – it’s not sure if that refers to illness or a cold snap. However, a Merchiston School XX captained by Adrian P Van der Byl, which included John Crum and his brother James took on the Royal High School in Edinburgh in February 1858. A crafty little warm up before the main event.

Finally the big match between the two teams took place on December 11, 1858 at Raeburn Place with JC Campbell skippering Merchiston.

The first issue of the Merchistonian magazine in 1866 provided an account. “The number playing had recently been fixed at 20 and the duration of a contest was not to exceed 2 1/2 hours. Two umpires overlooked proceedings and after deliberation announced the result. No wonder that the score of this significant match remains disputed, the Edinburgh Academy, probably with good reason, claiming a win.”

The return fixture was played at Merchiston, but in this match the school XX had the assistance of two masters, the legendary HH Almond, the future headmaster of Loretto School and EP Rouse, later a master at Eton.

The Academy recruited two Academicals to assist them against the stronger Merchiston outfit. According to former Merchiston coach James Rainy- Brown, matches were played on Christmas Day, but could last three to four days, with three hours played each day. Unusual but not unique for the times.