Fired up Young Reds S1s run in ten tries

Linlithgow  64 (36) – 7 (0)  Morrison’s Academy

Saturday 01 February 2025

Report by Alan Hunter

With Scotland starting their Six Nations campaign in the afternoon at Murrayfield it was an early start for the players, coaches and parents alike and especially for the opposition travelling down from Crieff. After an intense 45 minutes warm up session to get the morning chill out of the bodies the sun rose above the canal embankment creating a quandary for the spectators. Enjoy the warmth and squint into the sun or move the to the shade and enjoy the spectacle that was about to unfold. Thankfully most chose the latter.

Max kicked off with The Young Reds chasing and managing to retain the ball. Unfortunately, they seemed over pumped and gave away an early penalty for coming in at the side of the ruck. The penalty kick didn’t reach touch and the ball was safely gathered before passing it into the centre of the pitch where straight running from Callum, Scott and Archie took the ball to a ruck on the try line. It quickly popped out through Joe to Finlay H who stepped his opposite number to get the first try of the day within two minutes of the KO. The run in nearer the posts gave Max a better line for the conversion and he popped it over.

Jay was in like a terrier on the re-start catcher, tackling, jackalling and turning over the ball before Morrison’s in the burgundy even got a chance to show what fire power they had. Tom, Lucas, Archie in the forwards made steady ground before releasing Callum to find space and finish a score right under the posts that started from the halfway line.

Morrison’s gathered the next re-start cleanly and for the first time edged forward before a thumping tackle from Rory stopped them in their tracks and again Linlithgow competing at 100% on the ground seen them turning over yet again. Lucas got over the line but was only awarded a scrum on the 5m line. The ball popped out with options available on both sides but Jay spotted a hole and was over himself for try no.3 from scrum half.

Linlithgow had to show a period of defence for the first time but again their groundwork was first class and they were on the attack again this time on left wing with Callum supported by Harvey. Callum looked like he was going to be taken out of play but Jonah Lomu would have been proud of the way defenders were falling off the attacker as he went over for his second try with a wake of players on the ground behind him. Rory converted.

Morrison’s unable to get out of their 22 were awarded a penalty for a high tackle allowing them to clear to halfway but Joe was under it and made 20 metres, before setting up the forwards for a well-directed concerted drive up the pitch before Joe was back with ball in hand ending up being stopped just short of the line. Rory in support completed the try which was another attack that started in the centre of the pitch.

A large squad saw Linlithgow being able to rest some players and give everyone time on the pitch, especially as Morrison’s also had large numbers resulting in a 15-a-side game.

Another catch by Joe flicked to Max then Callum saw his hat-trick this time beating 5 players before the line. Another 2 points from Rory’s conversation led to half time that was welcomed more by Morrison’s than the Young Reds who were fired up.

The second half started quickly with the ball going through so many Linlithgow hands before Callum sent Morrison’s reeling with his “haul” of 4 tries. (Blame Google if that’s not correct). Max this time kept the scoreboard ticking over with another 2 points from the boot.

A desperate Morrison’s were being forced to kick up field to gain territory and for the first time they were playing in our half. A score looked like it was coming their way but dogged defence kept it out and from our own line a sensible kick from Max wasn’t gathered cleanly, so a scrum seen the ball back in Linlithgow hands. Scott received the ball on the left wing and showed his speed and power before going over but just spilling the ball forward as he crossed the line. The next attack was driven through the middle of the pitch with Logan P pumping the legs and getting over the line, with Nathan scoring the conversion.

The score at 50 – 0 had two players leaving the field from Linlithgow to allow a fairer contest.

Archie being an absolute menace around the breakdown picked up himself and ran in a well-deserved try for his efforts and work rate throughout the game. Nathan’s boot was again true and struck over another two points.

Our forwards were working hard driving their mauls back but the ball came out their way for a change and the inevitable gaps started to show. An overlap with multiple options for the first time and a couple of missed tackle opportunities saw Morrison’s get their first and only try, which was converted.

Joe proved why he was going to be man of the match by gathering yet another high ball with his safe hands before jinking and side-stepping through what seemed like every opposition player before going over himself for the final try of the day which Max converted from well wide on the 22.

A final flurry from Morrison’s saw a burgundy player at full speed while letting out a frustrated war cry as he charged forward which was met by a Linlithgow tackler who not only screamed louder but took the wind out of sails and his lungs with a final bruising tackle.

Jack went over the line just before the final whistle for a disallowed try, meaning Linlithgow “only” scored ten tries!

The team have had a few tough games and training sessions of late and today every minute of these experiences were worthwhile when it all came together. They won the breakdown game and let the ball work resulting in an emphatic victory. I apologise the report is so long but that’s what happens when they score so many tries and play so well.