Bangholm Recreation Centre, 30th September 2023
Inverleith travelled the short distance to Bangholm to play Trinity on the 30th of September. Unfortunately, Inverleith lost a one of our front row prior to the game, and had to request uncontested scrums vs. Trinity. SRU rulings dictate that any team requesting uncontested scrums, may not bring any replacements to the match. Many surrounding the club have questioned what this rule brings, but it is to stop teams turning up with large numbers of backs and back-row forwards, in an attempt to ‘game’ the uncontested scrum laws.
Inverleith started the game in disjointed manner, with four of the fifteen starters late to the pitch, slowing down and confusing match preparations. Despite this, Inverleith did well to play territory and pin back Trinity multiple times. Poor decisions in pod and running choices lead to men taking the ball into contact without support, and getting turned over by Trinity in the contest. Trinity scored two tries in the 15-25 minute window. This is then compounded by Inverleith losing Matt Brydon to injury, and Abu Fofana to a yellow card. As noted above, there were no replacements for Inverleith, and we were reduced to 13 men.
Inverleith reply instantly direct from the kick-off from Trinity’s second try. The kick is perfectly weighted and their player catches the ball, but also takes it into touch. Trinity win the lineout but fail to secure it, and Ahmed pounces on the ball to score in the corner.
The first half continued to be very difficult for Inverleith, as did the first 10 of the second. However, in the second half, Trinity lose a man to a red card for a bad tackle. Their player wraps low, but remains high in body position, lifting the Inver player legs high and tipping him for a head/shoulder landing. Following the red, Inver became much more competitive.
Inver spent the majority of the second half playing territory and holding out Trinity, making sporadic forays into their half. The defensive display shows that the spirit and determination was always there, but we were maybe not ready in the first half due to our poor prep. Inverleith ended the game on 12 men after losing another two to injury.
In all, a game where Inverleith tried their best given the circumstances, and on another day with our front row, the result could’ve been different. Nevertheless, Inverleith need to work on many things in training over the next two weeks in the run up to the game vs. Edinburgh Medics. The game is at home on the 14th October, and we hope to see as many supporters as possible for a great day of rugby.