I had known Simon Yarrow since we met at Aberdeen University in the late 1980s.

He was always a determined sportsman and carried forward that commitment and determination to touch.

It was only thanks to his persistence and persuasive nature that I began playing touch for Scotland in 2006 and he opened my eyes to what a great sport this is.

His tragic death was an immense shock to many of us and the creation of the Simon Yarrow Cup is a fitting way to remember him.

For me personally, it had been quite a journey from 2006 to coaching the Men's 40's Scotland Team at the European Championships in 2014.

Without Simon, that would not have happened - and winning the Simon Yarrow Cup, for the first time, is something that means a great deal to me.

So, this one was for you Si, where ever you are.

The Match

It was a hard-fought game, with Scotland 4-1 down at half time.

The team kept its composure well and pulled it back so we were sitting level at 4-4 with just a few minutes to go.

Unfortunately, at that point our winger, Gogs McEwen, suffered a fractured thumb and had to leave the field.

The team pulled together and managed to pull ahead just before the final whistle.

Both teams showed real commitment and the game was played in great spirit.

Result

Scotland 5 (Hourcastagné, Kelly, Waddell, Craik, Bell)

England 4 (Witton, Povall, Madden, Ainscough)

Teams:

Scotland - Alistair Crozier, Philippe Hourcastagné, Martin Macari, Gordon Mcewen, David Stone, Jon Creasey, Trevor Kelly, Neil Fraser, Robin Waddell, Iain Craik, Grant Bell, Craig Lewis, Michael Cairns, Stuart Smith.

England - Damien Wood, Ian Moody, Simon Witton, Christian Garland, Brett Milligan, Jeff Bimson, Keith Dunleavy, Pete Flanagan, John Banks, Terry Careswell, Alex Hughes, Gary Povall, Steve Madden, Paul Ainscough.

Referees - Peter Faassen De Heer, Ailsa Falconer, Shane Hills.

Photo Credit: William Husband, Wolfburn Photography.