|
A partially thawed out Ciaran Wilson provides this week's tale of a wonderful try from the Ed. which unfortunately failed to prevent a painful defeat:
|
|
|
|
Lasswade 2nd XV 12 - 10 Watsonians 3rd XV
|
|
|
|
Following three convincing wins in recent weeks, the Third XV were in buoyant mood going into their league fixture against Lasswade in Saturday.
|
|
Due to prior commitments Coach James Easton was unable to attend, handing the reigns for the afternoon over to front row favourite Freddie Main, who was sidelined with a knee problem.
|
|
|
|
As the players gathered at Myreside for the away trip to Lasswade, it soon became clear that conditions were likely to be less than favourable. Captain McAinsh hastily rang around trying to galvanise his troops, but a combination of "promotions" to the 2nd's and cheap Friday night Jagarbombs once again saw a raft of changes.
|
|
|
|
The hardy souls who remained made their way to the impressive new facilities at Lasswade, minus two car loads of regulars who had embarrassed themselves with their lack of wheel changing abilities. With kick off fast approaching said wheel was eventually repaired and the Thirds were able to embark on a shortened pre-match "warm up."
|
|
|
|
Sonians received the kick off with a strong wind on their backs and quickly realised that their opponents had made much more use of their extended pre match preparations. Lasswade were committed at the rucks and set the scene early on for what would be a frustrating afternoon for the Sonians forwards.
|
|
|
|
Scrums were solid for both teams, with the visiting side having arguably the better of the line-outs although clean ball was always going to be a rarity in such arctic conditions. However, the Thirds were struggling to secure the ball on the deck, with some aggressive counter-rucking from the home team resulting in a spate of turnovers.
|
|
|
|
As ever, the Thirds looked to offload and pass their way around their opponents and at times they produced some scintillating passages of play. Unfortunately but understandably on several occasions with the try line beckoning, the final pass was dropped or a tackler managed to slap the ball to safety.
|
|
|
|
As the half wore on Lasswade began to creep into their opponents half, despite the strong wind facing them. With their confidence growing, they began to move the ball but given the conditions this was always going to be difficult. A dropped pass saw Sonians regain possession and quick hands saw flu-ridden centre Paddy Crawley in space. The big American is a handful for defenders at the best of times and two feeble attempted tackles later, Sonians claimed the opening score of the match. Despite a valiant attempt, the conversion from Parson's sailed just wide.
|
|
|
|
This was how it remained until half time, when incredibly the conditions managed to go from bad to worse - horizontal sleet adding to the already polar weather.
|
|
|
|
Half Time: 0 - 5
|
|
|
|
With the wind on their backs, Lasswade chose to keep their opponents pinned deep within their own half. Time and time again, the ball would be turned over and kicked back towards the Sonians goal line. Having to keep the ball in hand in the face of a strong wind, Sonians were always going to need to score from range but in such slippery conditions this was to prove difficult.
|
|
|
|
Struggling to clear their lines the Thirds lost the ball deep inside their own half when the home team "committed" more bodies to the ruck. As Sonians protested for the infringement, Lasswade moved the ball wide where an overlap allowed the home winger to tie the scores. Again, the difficult conversion was missed.
|
|
|
|
This score, galvanised the home team who heaped more pressure on the visitors and from a five metre scrum, their burly number 8 burrowed his way over the line amidst a heap of bodies. How the referee spotted the grounding isn't clear, but a strong claim for a further try was waved away later on in the match so no complaints could be made by the Sonians players. Crucially, this particular try was converted leaving the Third's 7 points adrift with time ticking by.
|
|
|
|
The Thirds have been characterised by their never-say-die attitude this season, and rarely succumb in the face of adversity. From the restart, they immediately went on the attack and put the home team under pressure. Line outs began to stick, turnovers were being made and the Third's were soon inching their way up the field.
|
|
|
|
From a turnover deep inside their own half, the Sonian's backs mounted an attack. Frenchman Philippe Hourcastagné made good ground before offloading to scrun half Andrew Lowndes, who carried on up the touchline to within yards of the Lasswade try line. As the home defence scrambled back, Lowndes offloaded to the supporting Hourcastagné who added the finishing touch to a superb move, given the atrocious conditions. The retreating defenders forced the flying Frenchman to apply the required downward pressure much closer to the touch line than kicker Parson's would have liked and into a strong wind, the young fly half's conversion attempt fell just short.
|
|
|
|
With time running out, the Third's once more mounted an attack from deep however a dropped pass signalled the end of the match. The Sonians players fell to their knees in disappointment.
|
|
|
|
Full Time: 12 - 10.
|
|
|
|
Overall, a valiant performance in truly awful conditions. The team which adapted best were always most likely to come out on top, and today that team was Lasswade. The home number 10 repeatedly put the ball deep into the Sonians half and never let the opposition gain any field position.
|
|
While much of their play was error-ridden, stand in Coach Freddie Main was quick to praise the efforts of his side, citing Karl "Shalk" Von Buddenbroek, Euan "That's my 2nd match in a row you know!" Lister and man of the match Philippe Hourcastagné as the star performers on the day.
|
|
|
|
Next up is a tricky fixture at home to Stew Mel. Full attendance at training is required to get our season back on track.
|
|
|
|
P.S. The Third's will be "celebrating" Christmas in the clubhouse after the Stew Mel match. All those who have graced the Third XV jersey this year are welcome - bring plenty of money !!
|
|
|
|
CW
|
|
watsoniansrugby.com
|
|
Published: 10/12/07
|
|
|