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The 3rd XV are back to winning ways in this week's instalment from the ever popular Ciaran Wilson:
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Watsonian’s 3rd XV 44 - 8 Falkirk 2nd XV
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Pre-match preparations were once again affected for the 3rd XV’s league fixture with Falkirk 2nd’s on Saturday, but for once there were few complaints from the players. Several of the 3rd XV players were "called up" to the 2nd XV team substitutes bench for their match with local rivals Boroughmuir.
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For those not "lucky" enough to get the nod for their illustrious Myreside brethren, the pain soon wore off when it was realised that there were some fancy new after-match shirts being handed out - some of the more critical commentators among us might argue that the 100 yard "dash" to the stand pitch to collect said shirts was the quickest certain 3rd XV stalwarts had moved in years!!
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As kick-off neared, the 2nd XV "supporters" made their way over to aid the 3rd XV cause with tales of a smashing win against their local rivals. Confidence was high as the referee signalled the start of proceedings.
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It’s not too often that the 3rd’s pack take the field against a front eight bigger than themselves but this fixture was to prove one such occasion and straight from the kick-off, Falkirk stated their intent to play some attritional ten man rugby.
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What the Sonian’s pack lacked in physical size, they made up for with energy and commitment - time and time again refusing to be bullied off the park by their much bigger opponents. As ever, flanker Craig Adams and the ageless Ally Campbell were proving to be a thorn in the visitors' side, winning several turnovers in the early stages.
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With the early exchanges fairly even, it was the visitors who were first to draw blood - knocking over a simple penalty after a technical offence by the Sonian’s defence.
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This score, whilst not entirely against the run of play certainly spurred the 3rd’s on and shortly after, a wonderful handling move involving virtually the entire team saw flanker Fraser Boyd rumbling over for the opening try. The conversion was missed.
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The home team pressed again from the kick off. With quick ruck ball and some slick line out play, the Sonian’s backline began to stretch the Falkirk defence, but it took until the final minutes of the half before they could add to their tally - Number 8 Ciaran Wilson crashing over from the back of a 5 metre scrum for a try which was ably converted by Rob Tweedie.
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Half Time: 12 - 3
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At half time it was agreed that an expansive game would be the best way forward and it wasn’t long into the second half before the Sonian’s team finally began to play the rugby they are so often capable of. Forwards and backs linked on several occasions as the tiring visitors struggled to curtail a rampant attacking display and one such foray from Wilson and McPhillips saw recent Aussie newcomer Sam Mackey ghost in for his first try in Watsonian’s Colours.
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The home side continued to pile the pressure on their opposition, Rob Tweedie knocking over a couple of penalties before Winger Ken Nicolson bagged the first of his impressive brace. Indeed in scoring his second try, Ken showed the sort of soccer skills that wouldn’t look out of place in the SPL.
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Shortly afterwards he continued his one man tribute to the SPL by getting involved in an unsavoury off the ball incident, thankfully the referee missed it and the two "scallywags " were able to down handbags and carry on the game.
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With the points all but secured, Sonian’s made the most of their substitutes and a raft of positional and personnel changes heralded a scrappy ending to the contest.
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Somewhat against the run of play the lively Falkirk scrum half managed to jink his way past several would be tacklers to score a fine unconverted try, but it was the home team who had the final say - Alex Grant profiting from some great pressure from the tireless Boyd and substitute Harry Mustard.
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Full Time: 44 - 8
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Overall, a good performance from the 3rd’s. Undoubtedly the visitors made the Sonian’s team work hard in the first half but the "superior" fitness of the Myreside men proved too much too handle in the second half.
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Some great handling moves were on display, proving that the 3rd XV are getting back to something like their title winning form from last season.
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Special mention must go to fullback Chris who swapped the safety of the touchline to don his boots and fill the void in the backline.
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Flankers Adams and Boyd worked hard all day against their much bigger opponents and once more the lineout was a secure avenue for attacking ball with "Ealesy" and Irishman Jonny Beattie ruling the roost all afternoon.
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Next up a tricky away fixture to Grangemouth.
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CW
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watsoniansrugby.com
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Published: 3/10/07
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