Young Reds U15s carve out another excellent win

Linlithgow  44 – 21  North Berwick

Saturday 27 January 2024

Report by Malcolm Dunn

North Berwick are a great club and tough rivals, with a visit from them always set to be a stern examination. We’ve  met many times and the spoils over the years are probably honours even, so we knew Saturdays game would be a tough encounter…

The pitch was in amazing condition after the storms this week, however there was a strong 20-30 mph wind made for tough conditions. It was in fact the wind that brought about the first try. Linlithgow having conceded significant ground from the kick off as a result of kicking to the biggest man on the pitch, weathered North Berwick’s (NB) initial foray before a mistake saw a scrum given to Linlithgow. It was then our turn to make meaningful progress first through the back line but then through several waves of carries with Alexander and Gregg spearheading the charge. After some time close to the line Linlithgow were awarded a scrum and executed a neat crash ball, sadly though as Finlay M crashed over the line, the ball spilled loose. From the scum NB kicked cleared only to see that ball blow back over the heads and be dotted down by an ever present Hugh for Linlithgow’s first try.

North Berwick hit back fast though to go 5-7 up through their powerful centre. Again though despite a few mistakes the Young Reds were showing more phase dominance on the gain line which led to a 5 metre scrum. After a short conversation with the ref on the law variations at U15, Fraser picked up from 8 and blasted through any would be tacklers to take the score to 12-7.

NB took the restart and this time it was them who picked the wrong man…Finlay Mac plucked the ball from the air and sat down the first tackler before charging through any remaining defence to go 60 metres, he was though kept wide and the conversion was then missed. 24-7. With the score board now ticking over it wasn’t long before Thomas found his way over after another series of well structured attacks from our forwards who were carrying well. 29-7. NB though didn’t lie down and after a dropped restart there number 12 was first to react and there was no cover to stop him taking the score at half time to 29-14.

Although the team were 5 tries to 2 up the lack of conversions and the loss of a 40mph wind at our backs meant nothing could be taken for granted in the second half. What was really pleasing though was as a team we implemented a game plan of control and ball retention, which even running into the wind began to pay dividends in territory, with 3 well taken team tries following multiple phases. Thomas and Finlay Mullen being the profiteers of sustained pressure, good rucking (you have know idea how happy that made David) and powerful running. At 44-14 we could perhaps have kicked on but we lost a little concentration and in the end NB nicked one back from a quick tap. Final score 44-21.

Any win against NB is a good won and it was a great game played in excellent spirit. The front row of Chris, Alexander, Conner and Cameron all played well even nicking a scrum against the head. Alexander was particularly prominent in the loose. Daniel and Greig are a very strong combination and our scrum never took a backward step. Greig in the loose has begun to add a more physical element to his game which was great to see as we’d talked about it in the week. The back row of Elliot, Angus, Finlay and Fraser worked hard all game and gave us a great platform by retaining valuable possession. Fraser and Finlay tries showed the power they both bring. Joe left the field early but had looked bright, Max though came in and had one of his best games for the reds with great service and decision making. Thomas had a brilliant game at 10 with good control but also was a real threat with the ball in hand and deserved his two tries. Outside him Alfie and Finlay defended well but also moved the ball neatly to space when the opportunity presented itself. Finlay also showed what a dangerous runner he can be. The wings of Hugh, Jay, Fraser and Angus kept our width well but also tackled well when they had too. It was great to see Scott return after being out since November and he made several important interventions and although his final kick was not his best it showed much more maturity in his decision making. It was also great to see Duncan return for a brief cameo at the end and getting a chance to stretch his legs!

It’s very hard to name a man of the match this week, Alexander, Greig, Max, Thomas and Finlay M. were all strong  candidates. But this week it goes to two men that when the team needed them to step in under pressure and deliver they both did…congratulations to Max and Thomas.