Weekend Roundup across the age groups – 4/11
Fine Away Win for 2s
Penicuik 2s 0 – 32 Linlithgow 2s
Saturday 04 November 2023
Report by Des Martin
The Linlithgow 2s squad was a strong one that departed Mains Park to play Penicuik. It was good to see so many players making themselves available for this bottom of the table clash. The day was excellent overhead, if slightly cold, and the team started well with John Strachan captaining from stand off. The ball was passed well across the backs and Sam Dudchenko made a strong run down the right wing. A penalty was awarded and Struan McLean converted 3-0 to the Reds.
The Reds were pressuring well and from a line accurately thrown to Finn Chadwick, Ross Findlater set the ball up after a strong drive. Eddie Beamish evaded his man and the nimble Finn Chadwick touched down for a try converted by Struan McLean to give the Reds a 10-0 lead.
The Reds’ forwards kept up the pressure and before long Alex Cleland who had come on in second row barged over to score, making it 15-0 for the Reds. After a nice bit of back play, Ross Wells who was playing his first game of the season stretched his legs and went in for a try, which was converted by Struan McLean to give the Reds a 22-0 lead.
Good forward play featuring Adam Buckley, Matty Sommerville, Alex McHardy and Stu Young set up nice ball and Callum Lindsay, not long on the park, jinked past a number of defenders to score a fine individual try. Finlay Chadwick then scored another nice try and the score giving the Reds a 32-0 lead at half time.
The Manager made some changes and the Reds were playing away from the club house and slightly up hill in the second half. This half was punctuated with penalties and stoppages and Penicuik were slightly in the ascendancy. However the Reds stuck to their task and although Penicuik had some great runs from their Fijian contingent (maybe 6 at one time) strong last ditch tackles by McHardy, Lindsay, Beamish, and Lewis Herdman held the score to 0 for the home team. Great defence by the Reds!
No scores were recorded in the second half and the Reds ran out final winners by a score of 32-0. A great game, great hospitality (beers supplied in the changing room) and good to see so many young Reds putting in a performance. Big game against Lasswade at home next week. Let’s get another win!
U18’s run Watson’s close in nail biter
The U18’s travelled to play Watson’s B in the league and we were narrowly beaten 22 – 18.
Our boys started well from the Watson’s kick off but during our break out of defence, we knocked on and the Watson’s boys jumped on possession and a few phases later scored their first try.
However, from this restart, we pressed their defence and managed to gain ball with our hooker Kyran crashing over from great forward play. Ruairi from 10 converted.
Both sides battled well for the next twenty minutes until Watson’s crossed our line again after 25 minutes to make the score 10 – 7. With more ball and territory we pressed their defence resulting in Watson’s giving away a penalty which Ruairi kicked to make it 10-10 at half time.
The second half continued with both sides playing great rugby but 8 minutes in, Watson’s again gave a kickable penalty away and Ruairi slotted the three points. 10-13 it continued for the next half hour, until our defence came against a straight 2 on 1 and the Edinbugh boys crossed the line in the corner making it 15-13. Watson’s with victory in their sights pressed us again and managed to score again with 5 minutes to go converting the near touch line conversion. 22-13.
You would think with the clock fading it was over but Linlithgow gained possession from the restart and we managed to cross their line again from a great kick chase and the phase play afterwards got Kyran his second try of the morning. There it finished 22-18
Great, close fought game from both sides.
Young Reds S2s Back to Winning Ways
Lasswade 12 – 55 Linlithgow S2
Saturday 04 November
Report by Nick Drainey
Fireworks came to Linlithgow on Saturday, but before that the Young Reds’ S2s put on a spectacular display away at Lasswade! After a couple of games where the boys had been well beaten this was an opportunity to show they had the skill and determination to overcome decent opposition, and that is just what they did.
The game started well with all the signs that we were in for a “proper”, hard fought contest. James began the scoring with a hack up the pitch to beat the line before sliding on to the ball and tapping it over. Fergus’ first conversion agonisingly hit the post. (0-5)
In the early stages Linlithgow showed their ability to turnover the ball in the ruck and the improvement in the backs – helped by the inclusion of forwards in the line – was seen again with some great passing on show. From one breakdown inside the opposition’s half Fergus went on a run, made a great step and flung a superb pass to Blair who powered down the wing and round to the score between the posts. Fergus duly dispatched the conversion. (0-12)
Despite the score it was a tight affair at this stage and Lasswade came back with a try in the corner (5-12). Linlithgow were not put off and came straight back – two brilliant tackles by Will led to Finlay scooping up the ball and heading down the wing, executing a textbook hand off before touching down. (5-17) Just before the break another turnover saw James break the line and go under the posts, followed by a Fergus conversion, leaving the score (5-24) as they came off.
Even then there was a concern that Lasswade were good enough to come back and the coaches stressed the need to stay switched on and not let them back in.
The second half began with a breakaway try by their “big guy” (12-24). But after that the Reds took control and showed that when they are fully focussed they are a tough team to beat. Marshall was responsible for starting the move for the next try with a tenacious tackle when Lasswade were breaking from a scrum. The turnover saw the ball fly down the line to put Blair in next to the corner flag. A good kick from the widest spot saw Fergus take the two extras. (12-31)
The next try saw the forwards take over and a brilliant offload by Jason gave Rory the opportunity to go over. (12-36) Callum, whose interplay with Finlay had been superb, then ran for half the pitch before passing to the aforesaid team-mate for a well-deserved try under the posts, converted by Euan. (12-43)
James was back in the action again bursting through and taking a try in the corner for his hat-trick – the conversion, this time from Archie, hit the post for the second time in the match. (12-48)
James showed the fitness that can make all the difference by then running well over half the pitch to get his fourth try, which Archie made no mistake about converting. (12-55) And so the game ended – a great performance of skill and spirit which the coaches are sure the lads will take on through the season.
TEAM Jack, Zack W, Matthew, Callum, Finlay, Jason, Rory, Jamie, Ali, Eric, Marshall, James, Archie, Blair, Euan, Fergus, Aaron, Will
Conversion masterclass from Wells sees S1 over the line
Lasswade 27 – 28 Linlithgow S1
Linlithgow travelled to Lasswade this weekend, recording a hard-fought away victory.
Making the journey with only one sub, they faced a strong Lasswade squad of 30 players.
The game started at a fast pace, and there was action at both ends of the pitch. Linlithgow made a number of line breaks only to be let down by the final touch, but it was the home side who got themselves on the scoreboard with two unconverted tries in a spell when it seemed that we had forgotten how to defend, ending the first third 10 – 0.
In the second third, Linlithgow came out revitalised in both attack and defence, winning some crucial ball with some excellent counter-rucking. Jack S made the breakthrough, scoring Linlithgow’s first converted try, bringing the score back within three points.
A try from Adam, with a second conversion from Gregor W, and then another unconverted try in response from Lasswade left the game in the balance at the end of the second third at 15 – 14.
The final third saw some great play from both sides, enjoying sustained periods of pressure in each other’s 22s.
Showing a lot of determination, our boys defended strongly, but unfortunately gave away a few penalties in a row, allowing Lasswade some easy exits from their half, giving them some valuable territory.
Linlithgow continued to attack well resulting in two fine tries from Adam to complete his hat-trick.
Lasswade also took their chances, scoring two in reply.
In the end, it was a strong team performance, with Linlithgow claiming victory by the narrowest of margins at 27 – 28. Being on the wrong end of five tries against four, the difference in the scoreline came down to the trusty boot of Gregor W in scoring all of his conversions.
Fantastic footwork on show as Linlithgow P5s overcome Livingston
This weekend’s home fixture was initially cancelled due to ground conditions, but it was back on at the last minute thanks to Livingston’s generous offer to host. The P5 parents may have missed out on the lazy morning they’d been looking forward to, but they were compensated with glorious autumnal sunshine and fireworks on the pitch (literally and metaphorically).
The first game started with 8-a-side on a tight pitch, meaning finding space was critical. The Livingston team had some giants, and the need for low tackling had never been clearer. With dancing feet that wouldn’t have been out of place on Strictly, the teams found gaps and scored tries turn about, going into half-time level. Reducing the numbers to a regulation 6-a-side after the break, the Reds stretched into the lead, thanks to some great touch line turnovers, and some quick thinking when the ball went loose.
To make the most of the trip, the coaches agreed on a short rematch, but the result was similar as the Reds came up with some wonderful offloads. Thanks to Livingston for hosting and well done to the P5 Reds for some fantastic play.
P4 brave the elements and put on great display at Livingston
After a week of wondering whether we would get a game due to the recent bad weather, Livingston hosted us at short notice. Despite the short notice of the game going ahead we took 10 brave soles over the hill and both teams produced some great rugby, team tries, solo tries and excellent tackling skills were on show. After edging two very competitive games against our hosts, everyone gratefully welcomed our hosts hospitality.
Great teamwork on show as P3s had their first game on the road
P3 micros had their ever first away fixture on Sunday and despite several changes of plan, 10 keen wee reds arrived for a sunny morning of rugby
The boys warmed up playing a quick pass between theirselves few exercises of pass in a circle also learning each others names , followed by a game of sharks and fishes with livi boys and girls.
Basically they have almost mastered passing back. Working on quick passes, coaching 5 v 5 on pitch with Richard with one to one training with the subs on the side with me. Changing over subs every try or turn round encouraging every player to be involved, they have mastered the getting back on sides after a tackle. We are still working on moving forward instead of back and working on quick passes and utilising everyone on their team. We are encouraging everyone to shout and call for the ball. The boys and girls have almost mastered the line defence when opposition have ball and were quickly coming back after the tackles. They are all very eager to start tackling now.
Most of all they had a lot of fun & look at that team spirit