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Richard Latimer finds some time during his holidays to write this week's match report for the 3rd XV. A fine example of dedicated reporting for watsoniansrugby.com which the Ed. hopes will spur others to take to the keyboard and join the growing pool of acclaimed correspondents:
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Heriot's 3rd XV v Watsonians 3rd XV
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Venue: Goldenacre
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Date: Saturday 10th November 2007.
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Final score: Heriot's 22 - Watsonians 20.
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The troops of the 3rd XV filtered in dribs and drabs on a clear, crisp afternoon at Goldenacre for the eagerly anticipated Edinburgh derby.
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We were sporting a team of two halves with a solid pack which was showing a bit of beef and experience with the big fella - Bad Boy - holding up the tight head of the scrum. The backline had an experimental feel to it. With energetic, charismatic Baz Lawson slotting in at fly half (or is it first five eighths?) and with forwards playing out of position in the backline.
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Lawson stated before the game "Make sure the loosies are right up my heels cos I'm not a kicking fly half, there's going to be plenty of running today lads." (Or words to that effect). He was true to his word for about 50 minutes, until he got knocked out!
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We warmed up under the watchful eye of ex 1st XV back James Easton, who clearly relishes his role as coach (and very good he is at it too, may I add). He had us doing some good handling drills in preparation for the clash.
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Bang on 2pm the game got under way as we kicked to Heriot's. The match flowed well and the effort and skill levels were high from both sides. It wasn't until about 15 minutes into the first half that Heriot's struck the opening points of the match with an unconverted try after some relatively weak defence to make it 5 - 0.
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We continued to scrap away with Baz Lawson, finding some gaps of his own making and some tigerish breaks. If he wasn't doing them himself he was letting American supply student Paddy, his inside centre (or is it second five eighth or is it wide receiver, I'm lost?) who was cutting some gorgeous angles off a short pass. Frustratingly, despite distant cries from the forwards to hold on to it, we couldn't keep the ball alive and would throw ambitious 50/50 passes that were never going to hand.
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We soon struck with a try of our own through Craig "the silent assassin" Adams who worked hard to run a good supporting angle off Baz, who after another telling break was able to execute the try scoring pass. Coolly converted by the same man. We were all outwardly impressed. 5 - 7
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Heriot's scored again through their only dangerous back, a winger who more or less scored from the kick-off with play only going through a few pair of hands. I won't name and shame, but a few of the forwards were less than impressed as we trotted back under the posts. Under the sticks Coach Easton (and the players) were really upbeat and positive. They failed to convert, and it was 12 - 7.
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We slotted a penalty via Adams (I think) who was proving to be a lot more than a useful flanker, the "John Eales of the Scottish game". Are there any other goal kicking forwards out there? (Answers on a postcard please)
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Badboy trotted off for a breather (something about sore lungs??), allowing for star hooker/ prop Freddie Main to get a run. Mr Main was back after a bout of flu (man or otherwise) and was champing at the bit and once he and Mixu McPhillips sorted out who was propping, the game continued. Half time 12 -10.
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Coach Easton was passionate at half-time and made an excellent point about how it was easier to play towards the tenements (couldn't agree more). When the second half was underway we ripped into the Heriot's boys and dominated play. The forwards executed some good strong carries and pick and drives, notably the likes of big Andy Learmonth, returning from a nasty wrist injury was enjoying having the ball in hand and running at the opposition.
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Early in the second half Baz took a nasty blow to the head but being made of stern stuff, shrugged it off and continued. However he didn't last much longer as his legs went clean from under him the next time he got the ball, like a boxer who's taken one smack on the kisser. He clearly wasn't a 100%. In fact Baz offered to write the match report but proclaimed he couldn't "cos he couldn't remember the game!" (Me neither, pathetic excuse!). Without subs, star Adams slotted into 10 and did a fine job in extremely unfamiliar waters.
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One of the highlights for me was a forwards moment (surprise, surprise.) A lineout call to four, catch and drive, emphasis on the word drive, as we mauled them literally forty metres up the pitch. What a great triumph for the pack.
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Freddie Main was showing his footballing skills as he relished kicking from hand and was consistently finding a good touch. Adams coolly popped over another penalty after another mindless infringement at the breakdown. This caused tempers to flare resulting in incessant chatter from both sides. At one point the Heriot's lads were chirping the ref and he nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders stating "S##t happens." We had a good laugh about that one.
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The last word lay with us. Determined to the end, we had kickable penalty, but ignoring the three we wanted the seven. Main booted it into the corner. The forwards had our tails up from the earlier catch and drive. A well executed throw, catch by Richard Latimer was followed by a surging maul. Moments later our tireless blindside (Hamish is it?) found himself in the perfect position to fall over the try line. That man Adams nailed the wide out conversion (Wilkoesque) and the game was over. We had lost 22 - 20 but were really heartened by our never-say-die performance.
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In the changing room it was all constructive and upbeat. Amongst other things we talked about the need to get to training, so on that note GET TO TRAINING! Well played! Final score Heriot's 22 - Watsonians 20.
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RL.
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watsoniansrugby.com
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Published: 12/11/07
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