October 28, 2017
Match Report
BT EAST REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2
OCTOBER 28, 2017, 3:00 PM
Arboreteum Road
1st XV
Match Report
Liberton 1st XV 7 – 29 Inverleith 1st XV
28/10/17 – Double Hedges
Team: 15. D Binnie, 14. G Johncock, 13. S MacPherson, 12. J Jablonski, 11. A Thomson, 10. S Hainey, 9. E McBurnie, 8. M Brydon, 7. P McCaskey, 6.J Collister, 5. S Jablonski, 4. S Hughes, 3. M Razeto, 2. R Duncan (Capt.), 1. D O’Sullivan. Reps. 16. S Boendermaker, 17. I Wainwright, 18.N McKim 19. S Hanlon, 20. B John & 21 S MacLauchlan (* Subs used)
Weather conditions were not ideal for this match with a very strong wind blowing almost straight down the pitch from the Community Clubhouse end. Liberton have often been a stumbling block for us with the last meeting at their ground going narrowly their way. This season they have been hard hit with player availability and were winless prior to this encounter. Despite a couple of changes from last week’s winning side we still had a strong squad available and a try bonus win was targeted.
We played the first half into the wind and understandably a lot of the early play took place in our half. We were controlling the ball with the forwards working well in pods but we gave were giving away too many penalties and free kicks to be able to work our way into the Liberton 22. It took around 15 minutes before we finally were able to get into a good attacking position and after a series of drives to the line, match day captain Ryan, forced his way over. Stephen’s conversion made it 0-7. The remainder of the half saw some good phases from us but play was frequently interrupted due to spilled possession, penalties and numerous delays for injuries to Liberton players. It took until just before the end of the half before a series of attacks on the Liberton line were rewarded with a penalty. We elected to take the scrum and Euan was able to make it over after a further couple of forward charges. The conversion was unsuccessful so it was 0-12 at half time.
We made a bit better use of the wind in the 2nd half than had been the case with Liberton ensuring we spent most of the 40 minutes in the Liberton half. Our first score came from a scrum just inside the opposition half with Euan breaking right and chipping the ball behind the defence. A good bounce saw him regather and feed Stewart to finish off. Stephen was successful with the conversion to make our lead 0-19. The try bonus came shortly afterwards when some good phases looked as if they were petering out. From a lineout on the 5m mark Matt was able to gather and cross for an unconverted try. The floodgates should have perhaps opened now but with the rhythm of the game constantly interrupted by simple errors or delays due to further Liberton injuries it never came about. Stewart added his second try with about 25 minutes to go following a good solo break. With the conversion again missed we finished our scoring at 0-29. Liberton had the last word when some loose play allowed them to force their way into our 22 and weak tackling let them in for a converted try. So with still 17 minutes to play you might have expected us to run in some more points. Unfortunately with the game still being interrupted by injury and error we just weren’t accurate enough in our attack. This is something I’m sure the coaches will be working on before our home fixture with Trinity next Saturday.
Stewart Hainey’s 2 tries take him to 6 in league games this season just one behind Graeme Johncock with Jamie Tocher sitting 3rd on 4.
A number of players put their hands up for the Official Man of the Match award. Ash, Stewart and Euan in the backs, and Ryan, Steve and Matt in the forwards. The award went however to Josh Collister who, on his first start in the 1’s this season, gave 100% throughout the match with only his boxing skills letting him down. Congratulations Josh.
David Brennan
DoR