Royal High School S2  4  Linlithgow Academy S2  17
Snapper McGuire was on hand this week to file a report and a couple of photos:

The S2 Reds continued with their impressive winning streak today, delivering another solid win based on good teamwork from the squad.  Both teams took a positive, determined and competitive attitude on this sunny Saturday morning with a heavy pitch following the recent heavy rain doing nothing to slow anyone down.

Just one minute into the match, the Reds signalled their intentions with John delivered the first try of the morning following a collective surge forward from the off.  Despite the final score line, Royal High were no push overs, often well organised and effectively passing the ball freely across the line when they were in control and this was the way that they responded to their early disappointment.  Linlithgow defended well and an important tackle by Fraser A on the left wing made sure that the pressure was resisted with the taken ball back across the centre line and from then on the majority of the first half was played on the Royal High end of the pitch.  The second try resulted from Robbie chasing down his opposite number with total conviction from a scrum, winning position for his team which led to Calum M using his power to hand off the striped jerseys and touch the ball down in the left corner.  Fraser S made sure of the additional point with his first conversion.  A third came from Ciaran, again starting from the Reds winning the RHS scrum, when collective team pressure and controlled passing created a gap for him to burst through and land the ball across the line.

Half time:  Royal High School 0  Linlithgow Academy 10

Right from the second half kick off, the Reds were far into the RHS half in numbers.  Quick thinking by Robbie, taking a penalty before the opposition knew what was happening saw him come close to scoring, only to be tackled close to the line.  Linlithgow ensured they kept the ball, Ben moving toward the centre with a dodging run, then an excellent display of passing across a well organised line allowed Fraser S to find the space to register the teams fourth try, again only one minute into the half.

For the next five minutes, the Reds were a constant wave of pressure, moving further and further toward the RHS try line as a tight pack.  Eventually a loose ball was chased down by Robbie who was then backed up by the Linlithgow pack, with a final surge to move across the line with Cairon in the middle to claim his second of the day.  With the game now beyond their reach, the zebra striped RHS team would have been forgiven for giving up.  To their great credit, this was the last thing on their mind, and for the next ten minutes were in control of possession and pinned the Reds back into the Linlithgow half.  Inevitably they got their break and their winger showed great pace down the left wing with a lightening run to score their only try of the day, which was converted with conviction.  This seemed to re-awaken the Linlithgow boys, who regained their concentration and confidence for the final few minutes with a more convincing series of passing moves and determined tackles.

Final score:    RHS S2   4  Linlithgow S2   17  

Linlithgow S2  48  Trinity Academy S2  3
Scoop Wilson sent  in a report on today's (31st October 2009) fine win:

On a bright, sunny, Halloween morning, Linlithgow S2s continued their excellent run of form with a 13 try romp against Trinity Academy.  The first half began with the Reds dominance being exerted in the scrum and a steal against the head led to a penalty, which was passed quickly through the hands, allowing Ross to run over for the first try in the right-hand corner. This was converted superbly by Fraser S.  The second score came quickly afterwards when Ross, picking up a loose ball brought the forwards into play led to a strong run down the right. From the resulting maul, Rhuaridh dived over the try-line.Again, Fraser stepped up and made the conversion  from a difficult angle.  Trinity were always endeavouring to come more into the game with some strong runs, but the Reds kept these attacks at bay with aggressive tackling and constant pressure on Trinity ball. In fact, from another Trinity attack, a quick turnover set Ciaran free to run down the left wing, through several tackles to score in he left-hand corner.  Trinity must have been wondering if this was indeed a Halloween nightmare, but they came back with spirit with a move down the left which gave their speedy winger a sprint to the line for a deserved score.  However, this only served to sting the Reds into action when, from the re-start, Ali took to the wing and with a couple of hand-offs passed the ball inside to Ross, who then showed his pace to score between the posts. Fraser S converted, again from a difficult angle.

Soon afterwards,with  a penalty award, some quick thinking  from James did not allow the opposition defence to settle and he burst over from five yards out to score the Reds sixth try. The last score before half-time came from an intercept by Callum M, who then went on a strong run and passed inside to Robbie who scored under the posts. The conversion by Fraser S brought the half-time score to:

Linlithgow  27  Trinity Academy  3 

The second half began as he first half had finished with a run down the right this time by Callum, who looked up to see Ali on his inside and he burst through the line to score. Fraser S converted.  A few substitutions at half time had changed the look of the Reds, but not their enthusiasm or intentions. A strong re-start by Trinity only led to a crunching tackle by Lewis and a move from Linlithgow down the right. The ball was passed swiftly through the hands of the backs and out to new-boy Fraser who sped to the line, scoring in the right corner.  Shortly afterwards, Ben (welcomed back today after a long lay-off) went on one of his characteristic straight runs, offloading to Ciaran who scored under the posts. The next attack from a Trinity line-out saw a pinched ball by Lewis and a burst over the line to score. Both these tries were converted by Fraser S, continuing an excellent kicking display.  The backs piled more misery on the visitors when a flowing move started by a powerful run from Ciaran went through the hands of John, Ben, Fraser S and Fraser, who ran round the defence to score under the posts.  An almost carbon copy of this move followed, when from the re-start, Ben offloaded to Fraser who sprinted in to score the Reds penultimate try.  The final 'nail' in the 'Halloween coffin' came when Callum M stole a Trinity line-out  ball and ran through the defence for a converted score. 

Final score:  Linlithgow Academy S2 48  Trinity Academy 3. 

Overall, an exellent display from powerful forwards and the backs, passing the ball through the hands at every opportunity.  A special mention must go to the enthusiastic Linlithgow support, who turned up today in good numbers to encourage the boys.Well done!  Man of the match; Ali, for his work at the breakdown and support in the loose play.

Lewis (capt), James, John, Ewan, Ciaran, Ross, Paul, Callum, Callum M, Duncan, Rhuaridh, Tom T, Robbie, Ben, Jay, Fraser S, Fraser, Ryan, Ali.

Glasgow Academy S2  7  Linlithgow Academy S2  8
Scoop Wilson was on hand again to pen this report on the game played on Saturday 3rd October:

The Reds S2 team travelled to Glasgow on Saturday more in hope than ambition, to face a team they have lost heavily to in recent seasons. However, in very windy conditions, Linlithgow made a bright start taking the game to their opponents and spending the first quarter in the GA half.  Despite some strong running from Ciaran and some powerful scrummaging and pressure, Linlithgow were unable to convert their territorial superiority into points. The Accies side were well organised defensively, showing enterprise with some flowing backs moves.

Linlithgow Academy S2  19  Morrisons Academy S2 0
Scoop Wilson was on hand again to pen this report on the game played on Saturday 26th September:

Linlithgow S2 squad returned to winning ways with a comfortable win against a disappointing Morrison's Academy 15, a team they have not beaten in several attempts in recent seasons.  The Reds opened the scoring straight from the kick-off with a catch from Robbie and a single pass to Ciaran who sprinted 50 yards down the left wing to score under the posts. The try was converted by John, who took over kicking duties from Fraser S, who, along with Lewis, Tom T and Duncan, were unavailable for selection due to illness, injury and holidays. 

The majority of the first period was played in the Morrison's half, with constant pressure being exerted by the Linlithgow forwards and backs. The second score came after a quick ball released from Linlithgow scrum on the Morrison's 22 was passed through the hands of the backs, allowing James to dodge his way over the line.  The Reds forward pack was almost completely dominant, allowing Morrison's to win only a couple of their own scrums during the entire game.  One of these scrums which Linlithgow won against the head led to a surging run on the right from Connor who managed to make the line for a touchdown, despite several opposition players hanging onto him. This try was converted again by John.  The game continued to be played in the opposition half, with Ciaran making another break, this time on the right.However, despite excellent rucking and clearing out by the Reds forwards, there were no more tries scored before the whistle went for half-time. 

Half-time score:  Linlithgow 11    Morrison's 0 

After the re-start, Linlithgow again found themselves camped in the Morrison's half with more intrusive runs by Ross and Callum M. One of these led to an offload by Ross to James, who ran in on the left to score under the posts. John continued to kick well and made the conversion.  Morrison's came more into the game in the latter part of the half, but could make no headway against a hard-tackling and determined defence.An example of this was Fraser's making an excellent pursuit and tackle, stopping an opposition  move which could have led to a Morrison's try.  Order was restored a little later when a move by new-boy Fraser made a strong run and created a score from Callum, who could not be stopped by the opposition back line. John converted to add to his tally. 

The final score came when a stolen line-out ball by Rhuaridh, a pass from Fraser and clean out from Ali  gave Callum M an opportunity to break the Morrison's defence and take the Reds to their fifth try to which John added the extra point.  On the whole, this was a very pleasing performance from the whole squad, with the backs passing well and trying some adventurous moves and the forwards bossing the breakdown, scrum and line-out. Keeping another clean sheet also showed the improvement in the Reds defence and tackling. 

Final score:  Linlithgow 19    Morrison's  0 

Man of the match -  Ciaran -  for his strong running and determined defence. 

Team:  Sam, Callum, Callum M, Ciaran, Ryan, Ali, Paul, Fraser, John, Tom W, Connor, James, Jay, Ewan, Robbie, Ross, Rhuaridh.

Linlithgow Academy S2  0  Loretto School U14   32

The Reds S2 team's winning run came to an abrupt end on Saturday against a visibly taller and heavier Loretto under 14 side.  Most of the game was played in the Linlithgow half and although the Reds played with courage and tackled well, they were outmatched in the first period by the huge Loretto forwards, one of whom scored all of their first-half tries.  The Linlithgow front eight gained merit points with a few scrums against the head, but were unable to break down the opposition defence. 

Half time score:  Linlithgow  0  Loretto 9

The second half produced more of the same, and the try count continued to stack up with moves from the left and right and the blind side of the scrum. The visitor's pressure against the younger Reds side was relentless, but to their credit the forwards and backs continued to tackle courageously and scrummage strongly.

The last 10 minutes produced another trio of tries from the speedy Loretto backs and although the final score reflected the difference between the sides, Linlithgow can take encouragement from their gutsy performance.  Indeed when they again play a true S2 side, they will have learned some valuable lessons which they can take forward. 

Man of the match: Callum M for his forward running and strong tackling. 

Final score:  Linlithgow 0 Loretto 32

Linlithgow S2  29  Boroughmuir S2  0
Saturday 12th September 2009

Our ace reporter, Donald 'Scoop' Wilson was on hand to pen us this report:

After their convincing 12 try win away to Madras College last week, Linlithgow faced a strong and physical Boroughmuir outfit in excellent, sunny conditions at Kettilstoun.

For most of the opening period, the Reds had the majority of the possession putting 'Muir under consistent pressure, but were kept at bay by a stout defence. Several moves to both wings by Linlithgow resulted in the Reds being camped on the 'Muir line, only for Lewis to be  held up in the goal area.  The eventual breakthrough came from a run by Ciaran, who evaded several tackles and offloaded to James who scored in the right hand corner.  One of  main features of the match was the excellent rucking and clearing out by the Reds forwards, which kept the opposition on the back foot.  Surging runs from Callum, Callum M and Lewis began to tell on the 'Muir defence and Linlithgow's second try came when an excellent run by James saw Robbie taking a pass and scoring in the corner. This was well converted by Fraser.

Half-time score:  Linlithgow  12  Boroughmuir 0

From the restart, Linlithgow again drove well in the forwards and continued to force errors from the 'Muir defence. Then, from the back of a ruck, a clever run by Duncan through a clearing 'Muir back line allowed him to bring up Linlithgow's third try.  Although never an easy game, with 'Muir tackling hard and trying desperately to break down the Linlithgow defence, the Reds began to enjoy a more dominant period of play which bore fruit with two tries in quick succession in an almost identical fashion. Ciaran, again evading tackles, managed to offload to Callum M, who took the ball at pace and scored once on the left and once on the right of the posts. The second of these was converted by Fraser.  Special mention should go to the forward pack for their strong scrummaging and powerful rucking against a taller, heavier 'Muir 8.The tackling, which kept the opposition score to zero, was also an encouraging feature. Finally, in only his second game in a Reds shirt, Ross showed promise on the wing with pace and a few excellent tackles.

Man of the match - Robbie for his creative and tireless work in midfield.

Linlithgow:  Tom T, Lewis, Duncan, Callum M, Ruaridh, Ciaran, Callum, Robbie, Paul, James, Tom W, John, Ross, Fraser.

Madras College 7   Linlithgow 72
5th September 2009

In the shadow of the Old Golf Course Hotel, St Andrews, the rain cleared just before kick off in time for every Linlithgow player to show that they have learned to play as a team.  The majority of the match was played in the Madras half and the Reds made sure that they turned their pressure into points, scoring 12 tries with 6 conversions by Fraser.  First on the scoresheet was Ross, who was playing in his debut match.  He showed great pace during his run down the right wing from the 22 yard line, and no one could catch him.  Five minutes later, Ryan made the best return that he could from his time out recovering from injury when he burst through the middle from outside the 22 yard line.  Everyone is delighted to see him back.

In the sixteenth minute, Callum McK then broke away on the right wing to rack up a further 5 points, with Callum M adding his name to the list shortly after with a powerful battling run from the half way line during which he fought off numerous challenges.  Following a touchline scramble, where the forwards piled on the pressure, James touched the ball over the line for the fifth try.  Then on the stroke of half time Robbie  was fastest to get a grip of a loose ball which bobbled beyond everyone else to close the half with Linlithgow 41-0.

Just one minute into the second half, some fast passing across the park by the team gave Tom W his chance and he scored on the right wing.  Ten minutes into the second half, James was quickest to spot another loose ball and took his opportunity to add another 5 points.  Tom W then delivered another 5, scoring with a powerful run on the right.  This was the climax of a move which had started on the far left when Ewan broke forward, the ball then passing confidently through just about every Red pair of hands as it crossed to the opposite side.  An almost identical repeat of the move was delivered minutes later, the difference being that this time Tom made sure he placed the ball directly under the posts.  Next, another determinded run by Callum McK resulted in his second score of the day.

The fact that Madras scored following an excellent sidestep by one of their men in the late stages could have left the boys ending on a low.  However their team spirit showed as they dug in, produced another excellent passing sequence and realeased the pace of Ross to end the match as he began, speeding down the right wing to claim another try.  He was then rightfully chosen as Man of the match.  What a way to start and finish your first match.

Team:  Sam, Tom T, Lewis, Ryan, Callum McK, Ruairdh, Duncan, Calum M, Robbie, James, John, Tom W, Ross, Ewan, Paul, Fraser

Linlithgow S2  29  Preston Lodge S2 12
Saturday 29th August 2009

Here is a match report from roving reporter Donald Wilson and some action photographs, courtesy of Alison Timlin, from the recent S2 match against Preston Lodge HS:

The S2 squad has their first run out in sunny conditions against a depleted Preston Lodge side, Linlithgow having to lend the opposition two players to even up the numbers.  The opening ten minutes saw Linlithgow camped in the PL half but despite stout defence, Linlithgow opened the scoring with a try from Lewis, after a succession of attacking phases and strong forward play. Fraser converted the try with a good kick in increasing wind. 

Preston Lodge came more into the game as the half continued, but they were dealt a further blow when, after some slick passing, Tom W showed his opposite number a clean pair of heels to sprint over over for the Reds second try.  The restart caught Linlithgow by surprise and PL evaded the Reds defence with a well-worked try almost immediately which they converted from under the posts.  Linlithgow however, continued to press and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, thanks largely to good rucking and a dominant scrum which stole possession against the head almost at will.  The next breakthrough came when a backs move started on the left touchline moved across the 22 and good handling resulted in Ali W diving over the line for the Reds third score, which Fraser converted.

In the second half, Linlithgow playing with the wind again continued to attack and after a succession of penalties another wide move resulted in Tom W scoring his second try in the left corner.  Preston Lodge worked hard throughout the game and had several pacy breaks and although the Reds tackling improved, they got their reward with a blind side attack from the scrum, scoring near the right touchline.  Linlithgow were to have the final say, however, when a cleverly stolen line-out ball by Ruaridh led to a series of passes from one side of the pitch to the other allowed Ciaran to evade the PL defence to score in the corner.  On the whole, Linlithgow should be pleased with a positive opening performance which showed encouraging signs in enterprising back play and a powerful showing by the forward pack.

Final score:  Linlithgow 29 Preston Lodge 12