Four rugby-mad pupils from Robert Burns Academy have played their part in a triumphant day for an Ayrshire team at Scotland's national stadium.

Daniel McKinlay, Zain Smith, Jake Shearer and Sandy Hay were part of the Ayr/Wellington boys' team that lifted the National Youth U18 Shield at BT Murrayfield with a 36-7 win over Melrose Wasps.

The Ayrshire boys led by just five points at half time, but the RBA quartet all played important parts after the break, with scrum-half Zain scoring the team's fourh early in the second half while the Wasps were down to 14 men after a sin-binning.

Sandy then came on as replacement scrum-half and scored his team's fifth try after running a support line with player-of-the-match Daniel, before an interception saw stand-off Jack Craig complete the scoring. 

Councillor Elaine Cowan, East Ayrshire Council's cabinet spokesperson for lifelong learning, education and skills, and culture said: “What a fantastic result for Daniel, Zain, Jake and Sandy from the Robert Burns Academy.

"They all played a key role in Ayr’s victory, securing the U18 Boys Shield at BT Murrayfield and Daniel was also awarded Player of the Match.

“Everyone at the school is very proud of their achievements and I am pleased to offer my congratulations on behalf of the Council.”