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Last season's outstanding cup run culminating in a fabulous Murrayfield final against Glasgow Hawks would normally be the icing on the cake for a provincial club in the unfashionable rugby district of Caledonia. Memories of a stirring semi-final against the odds and a valiant battle in the final, fueling clubhouse reminiscance for years to come; Dundee had had their day.

Or had they? Well who'd have believed it, here we are again on the cusp of another finals day adventure. Certainly after the stuttering start to the season, not many even at Mayfield would have put money on the possibility of a second cup final appearance in a row and a third Murrayfield appearance in as many seasons. But should we really be so surprised, the players and coaches aren't. After all look at the squad, the bulk of last year's side has been strengthened in key areas. Early season positional changes have become areas of strength and Dundee now has a side capable of troubling some of the top teams in Scottish club rugby.

Last season it was suggested that Dundee had an easy route to the final, although anyone who saw the semi-final against Hawick in the Mayfield mud would beg to differ. But this season three Premier 1 sides have been overcome, including Hawick again, this time at Mansfield Park plus Premier 1 elect, Stirling County.

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Cup Scorers

Name	T	C	P	DG
B. Jones	2	13	13	1
D. Gray	3	0	0	0
R. Lemon	3	0	0	0
L. Graham	2	0	0	0
G. Oommen	2	0	0	0
C. Rankin	2	0	0	0
J. Alston	1	0	0	0
A. Brown	1	0	0	0
N. Dymock	1	0	0	0
M. Jenkinson	1	0	0	0
D. McLaren	1	0	0	0
J. Petty	1	0	0	0

The Players

Name

Jon Alston

Alan Brown

Chris Cumming

Neil Dymock

JJ van der Esch

Lindsay Graham

Nicky Grant

Dougie Gray

Richie Hawkins

Mark Jenkinson

Barry Jones

Mike Kerr

Tim Knight

Sam Knipe

Ross Lemon

Dave Mason

Neil McComb

Dougie McLaren

Ryan Milne

George Oommen

Jon Petty

Martin Potts

Callum Rankin

Kevin Rosbottom

Colin Whittaker

Shannon Wilson

The Story So Far

The Early Rounds

3rd Round
As a Premier League side, Dundee entered the competition in the 3rd round and first up were Edinburgh University at Peffermill including former Dundee player, Jon Vernon who was catching the eye with some barnstorming performances. Two early first half tries from Jon certainly left Dundee in no doubt that this was going to be a tough mission. Tries by Lindsay Graham and Callum Rankin and the trusty boot of Barry Jones edged the win.

» Read the full report

4th Round
Next was the prospect of GHA at Dalnacraig. The side prepared well and the result was a six try demolition of the Glasgow side. Tries by Neil Dymock, Jon Petty, Barry Jones, Dougie Gray and Callum Rankin put the game beyond doubt and the afternoon was capped by a 50 yard sprint to the line by Mark Jenkinson to seal the victory.

» Read the full report

5th Round
Unbeaten Stirling County were next at Fortress Mayfield and gave Dundee a stern examination. But their first entry in the "games lost" column was in the post as Dundee ran in 5 tries and played some exhilarating running rugby. Tries by Dougie Gray, George Oommen (2), Ross Lemon and Barry Jones won the day.

» Read the full report

The Hard Yards

Just like last year there were the rumblings around Scottish rugby, all home ties so far, but a quarter final down at Hawick will sort Dundee out, especially since its the Borderers' chance for revenge after last season's semi-final.

Quarter-Final
Dundee travelled quietly confident in their game but found themselves behind at the turn somewhat against the run of play. But they stuck to their script and in what has to be one of the best results in the club's history out-muscled and out played a shell shocked Hawick to claim the prized home semi-final tie. Tries by Dougie McLaren, Ross Lemon and Lindsay Graham did the damage while Barry's conversion of the penalty earned by Chris Cumming was the crucial difference at the final whistle.

» Read the full report

Semi-Final
Dundee's cup reputation had some pundits make them favourites for this tie but the team knew that it would take a mammoth effort to overcome Aberdeen. On the day Dundee closed their illustrious Caledonia rivals down and nullified their playmakers to notch a notable scalp and claim their second cup final place and third Murrayfield appearance in consecutive seasons. Aberdeen never headed Dundee and only briefly achieved parity when Dundee were reduced to 14 men. Barry's impeccable kicking won the day for Dundee with Ross Lemon's incisive run producing the try of the afternoon.

» Read the full report

The Final

Boroughmuir edged Dundee out in the dying minutes of a thrilling cup final and were deserved winners. Dundee came back twice with tries from Alan Brown, Dougie Gray and Jon Alston to get within a single score but a strong finish put the cup out of reach at the very end.

Like last year the Dundee support was fantastic as everyone took Head Coach Ian Rankin's rallying call to heart,

"Be there, be seen, be loud and most importantly BELIEVE !"

It was almost Dundee's year but once again the lads can hold their heads high having gone toe to toe with one of Scotland's best club sides believing they could beat them.

Heartfelt thanks from everyone at Mayfield for your great support at the final and throughout the season. Now bring on next season and we look forward to your support in the clubs 125th year as we attempt to climb back to Premier 1.

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