S2s Kick Off New Year With Another Good Win
Linlithgow Academy S2 14 Boroughmuir HS S2 4
Snapper McGuire was on hand to capture some of the action and, in Scoop's absence, to pen this match report. Additional photos courtesy of Alison Timlin.
When these two teams last met, it was an agressive, ill tempered affair with the Red's coming out on top against the Edinburgh outfit. Four months on and into a new year, this was a different game all together, both sides showing a positive version of aggression, determination and desire to play well.
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Ending a six week gap since Linlithgow's last competitive match and with little opportunity for training it would not have been surprising if the players had been on the rusty side. It was however dust, rather than rust that was on display right from the start when Ross collected the ball midway through the Boroughmuir half and flashed through to score the first Red try of 2010. 'Muir responded from the restart by showing they would be no walkovers today when they pushed forward, leading to some nervous moments for the home side. A well timed tackle by Conor, a well collected ball from Fraser S and a dancing run by Robbie, taking the ball back across to the half way line and the reds returned to an attacking mood.
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Though a loose ball from a scrum was initially collected by the 'Muirs defence, it was not held, falling to the ground where Robbie's quick reactions were rewarded with another try, which was converted by Fraser S. Ryan showed that he was alert and in a winning mood with an excellent tackle which prevented Muir getting back into the game from their kick off. Pressure was again turned into points from a penalty when Callum Mu surged forward, clearly enjoying the opportunity to hand off his tacklers and planting the ball behind the posts for the third try of the morning. Fraser S did the honours with another conversion, extending the lead at the half time whistle to 11 points.
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"It was a game of two halves" totally applies when describing this match. The boys in blue and green must have taken their coach's motivational half time speech to heart and came out with improved determination and a co-ordinated team attitude. This meant the Linlithgow's boys really started to feel the pressure as they were continually pinned back. Though Sam, Lewis, Tom T and John tackled with conviction, power and skill, the visitor's persistence paid off, narrowing the scoreline by 4 points. Ciaran showed great character from this point on, leading the charge with the ball in his hand, refusing to let go when tackled and gaining precious yards again and again. He also came to the rescue to scoop the ball from the line to prevent Muir's second try.
Suddenly, Ryan received the ball from a quick move in the line out and, as if inspired by Ussain Bolt, blasted forward from within his own half, sprinting for gold down the wing and crowning his moment when he place the ball under the posts for the fourth Red try of the morning as everyone else was left standing. Showing their maturity, the Boroughmuir refused to give in, even at the final seconds when they crossed the try line, only to be disappointed by Robbie's well timed hand holding the ball up off the ground to prevent the score.
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In all, an entertaining, competitive match, played with a positive spirit and a credit to everyone who took part.
Man-of-the-Match: Ryan
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