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Returning from a break during which he pointlessly caught AND released really appetising fish, Ciaran Wilson ensures his future as match reporter by giving the Ed., a possibly understated, but nevertheless positive mention:
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Watsonians 3rd XV 71 - 5 Ross High 2nd XV
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The Third XV took to the field buoyed by a comprehensive victory against Edinburgh University in their previous run out. Competition for places in Coach Easton's starting line up was suitably fierce, with many 3rd XV stalwarts finding themselves warming the substitutes bench during the opening exchanges.
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As kick off approached, the formidable Scottish weather threatened to unleash her worst upon a wintry Myreside - so much so that the visitors for the day, Ross High, elected to curtail their pre-match preparations by hiding out in their changing rooms for as long as possible. Not so the home side, whose swollen ranks braved the elements to fit in some impressive warm up routines under the watchful eye of their Coach.
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Captain McAinsh won the toss and elected to play into the fierce breeze that was blowing downhill, ensuring that the 3rd XV would need to work hard to keep the ball in hand if they were to gain any advantage in the half.
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From the kick off it was clear that the home team had the bit between their teeth. The forwards have been enjoying some dominant displays of late and this was to prove the case once again on Saturday, however it was the youthful backline that would catch the eye most, giving their opposite numbers a torrid afternoon of chasing shadows.
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The opening score of the afternoon went to South African scrum half Andy Lowndes who profited from some excellent continuity play to scamper in for a try ably converted by his half-back partner Joe Parsons.
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No third XV performance this season would be complete without their trademark catch and drive, this week Freddie Main popped up on the end of a powerful surge to claim the second try - the conversion was missed.
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Ross High were struggling to deal with the powerful running of the Sonians players who were breaking tackles and offloading with every attack. In an attempt to slow the pace down, the visitors conceded a penalty for an indiscretion in a ruck. Captain McAinsh called for the posts and stand off Parsons obliged, banging over the three points.
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The home team were on the score sheet once more when Kiwi centre Dan Williams powered his way past several tacklers to claim his first of the afternoon, before the visitors managed to avoid a whitewash by sneaking in for a try of their own.
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Coach Easton took full advantage of the comfortable lead that his side had amassed by beginning the weekly substitution merry-go-round much earlier than usual, however it is a testament to the strength in depth that the 3rd XV are currently enjoying that the replacements only served to strengthen the grip on the match.
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With half time approaching, 3 of the Third XV's older heads, Lawson, Hourcastagné and Wilson showed the younger players just how it should be done with a wonderful passage of interplay that saw Lawson start and finish a move that originated in the Sonians twenty two. Parson's added the extras as the referee brought the half to a close.
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Half time: 29 - 5
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Coach Easton's half time talk was brief - with the wind on their backs the instruction was to play the remainder of the match in the oppositions half with the emphasis on making the right decisions to keep the pressure on Ross High.
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Despite the blustery conditions, the third XV handling had been exemplary and much credit must be given to the referee who allowed an open, free flowing contest. Both backs and forwards were combining to great effect and scores looked possible from all over the park. Indeed the second half proved to be a try fest, despite the fact that Coach Easton made several more substitutions throughout the half.
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Unfortunately this is where your author's recollection of events suffers somewhat so apologies if I miss anything important.
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Kiwis Lawson and Williams both added second tries to their accounts, the former plucking the ball from within another powerful driving maul and scampering unnoticed over the try line. Indeed Williams and his midfield partner Paddy Crawley were virtually unstoppable all afternoon repeatedly making inroads into their opponents half.
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American Crawley added a fine score himself before proving all those who doubted his passing abilities wrong by sending flying Aussie winger Sam Mackey over for a quick brace before tireless back row forward Fraser Boyd bettered Mackey with an even quicker brace.
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One more try was scored, but with so many individuals sitting on braces and staring down the barrel of night plying their team-mates with beer at their expense, maybe it is no surprise that the author couldn't locate the scorer of the elusive 12th try. What a modest bunch the third XV are turning out to be!!
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Full Time: 71 - 5
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This was a great performance against the team one place below the Thirds in the league, the foundations of which were firmly laid into a strong breeze in the first half. Coach Easton currently has an embarrassment of riches in terms of selection with many 3rd XV stalwarts soon to throw their hats back into the ring.
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As can be the difficulty of reporting on a high scoring encounter, conveying the performances of so many who had strong games can often be lost in translation so I will endeavour to pick out the key individuals:
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James Turley - Action man Turley spent much of Saturday morning in A&E nursing a "spiked" foot. That he even played was incredible, but to turn in such an all action performance was testament to his determination.
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Joe Parsons - An excellent performance from the young stand off, his handling and kicking from hand kept the home team moving forward all afternoon. An audacious show and go in from his own goal line typified the confidence he exudes.
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Dan Williams - A strong defender, Williams spent most of his afternoon with ball in hand attacking his opposite number. Thoroughly deserved his two tries and unlike one of our other Kiwi imports, shows no inclination to shed his clothes when drunk!!
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Paddy Crawley - The big American proved a handful all afternoon regularly providing the cutting edge leading to tries. Wonderful hands for Mackey's tries, a real find!!
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Sam Mackey - Undoubtedly the Man of the Match Sam chipped in with much more than just tries. Always eager to get involved and solid in defence, Mackey gave the visitors no respite and linked well with his colleagues. Big Sam heads home now to Australia after his brief stint at the club - he will be sorely missed!!
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CW
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watsoniansrugby.com
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Published: 26/11/07
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