A RUGBY fan who has never seen Scotland lose to England in a live game says he remains his country’s “lucky charm” after they clinched a 38-38 draw in their Six Nations clash.
In more than 60 years, Scotland has only ever won twice and drawn once at Twickenham, but as chance would have it, Peter Murray, 73, was present every time.
It nearly wasn’t the case this time. Murray had not seen Scotland play at England’s home ground since 1989. But after writing a letter to to Guinness, the title sponsors of the Six Nations, outlining his history with the fixture, they sent him two free tickets.
And during the match, thanks to Murray’s “luck”, an injury-hit Scotland came back fighting to secure a 38-38 draw against rivals England.
Speaking after the game, Murray said: “I am honestly physically and mentally exhausted.
“I have never seen such an incredible game in my life – the greatest come back in championship history. It was terrific, it really was.
“I must be Scotland’s lucky charm because every game at Twickenham I have attended, Scotland has never lost. My 100% record remains.”
The last time Scotland secured the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham, Ronald Reagan was in the White House and voters of Dunfermline East elected Labour politician Gordon Brown.
For the first 40 minutes it seemed as if Scotland had stopped trying but Murray thinks when the second half came, Townsend must have told the squad to just “go for it”.
And although the result was great for Scotland, Murray was sad to announce that was his “last hurrah”.
“It is sad but I just think I’m getting too old. But thanks so much to Guinness for giving me two free tickets.
“I am so grateful, it’s also so nice to leave on a high.”
Murray was at Twickenham in 1971 and 1983 when Scotland won, and in 1989 when they secured a 12-12 draw.
He’s a lifelong rugby fan, taking in his first game at Murrayfield in 1956.
He joked: “Scotland have retained the cup. Maybe when I’m 96 or something, I’ll be flown in a wheelchair to come watch another game.”
The Calcutta Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of the match between Scotland and England. It’s the oldest of several competitions to take place under the umbrella of the Six Nations Championship.
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