A TRANENT referee reflected on “an amazing experience” as he officiated at BT Murrayfield last week.

John Smith, 18, was one of the assistant referees for the Scottish Schools’ U16 Cup final, played on the international pitch at the national stadium last Wednesday evening.

Smith was involved in a match which saw St Aloysius’ College triumph over Strathallan School 10-3.

The former Ross High School head boy, who has been refereeing for just shy of two years, was delighted to be involved.

He told Courier Sport: “I had watched last year’s final and the atmosphere was brilliant, so to be on the pitch for the first time as a match official this year was pretty exciting.”

An appearance on the hallowed Murrayfield turf capped a busy evening for Smith, who also took charge of the U16 Bowl final, between Lomond/Helensburgh and Hutchesons’.

He is now looking forward to more high-profile appointments.

Smith added: “It’s motivating to see some progress in my refereeing, as it’s no easy process.

“I guess the next step is getting some higher-level appointments to kick on and be in the middle at some stage in the future.”

The teenager was, though, keen keep his head down, and added: “The hard work is by no means over.”