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Web readers will be delighted to discover that the season starts with an incredible event this year: Iain Leslie finally steps up to the keyboard and provides his first match report. His completely unbiased article is a joy to read, especially the closing statement:
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Our boys took part in the PL 10s under the offices of the “Pigbarians” – a charity side run by Jimmy “the pig” Michie who is involved in the dreams4u.org website. Jimmy came along and successfully raised funds for the charity selling snouts and t-shirts. This really is a well run charity for disadvantaged children and is well worth a contribution. They made over £250 on the day from the sale of snouts and donations.
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Wearing pink rugby league style jerseys the boys were joined in group 2 of the pool stage by Musselburgh, PL and Edinburgh University. They won all 3 pool games beating Musselburgh with difficulty 4 scores to 2 (in a monsoon) PL and the Uni by over 40 points with only 1 score against. It is difficult to let you know exact scores as the refereeing was rather “laissez-faire” and they were not very adept at keeping an accurate score. Having said that our guys did improve dramatically with each tie after an incredibly rusty beginning and all involved played some real quality stuff to get to the semi final against Haddington.
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But progress did come at a cost. Alan Nash suffered a dead leg after showing some neat touches, Andrew Welsh strained a groin and Max Learmonth damaged his leg ruling them out for the semi and the final.
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In the semi the guys played their best rugby yet in putting 50 points unanswered past Haddington in the improving conditions.
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The final against Hawks was the best game of the tournament by far. Despite only having 11 fit men by the final the Pigs upped the intensity and took the early initiative and the lead through Jamie Rennie the now converted centre. Hawks had cruised through the pool and semi without being stretched and this time they were clearly rattled. It took all of Coach Peter Wright’s international quality cajoling and moaning at the referee to prevent Hawks falling further behind. A couple of surprising decisions later Hawks not only equalised but also took the lead which they retained until half time.
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In the second half the Pigs equalised and were looking good for the win spurred on by the crowds support and the snouts and t-shirts prominent. But they could not pull away as chances went begging and decisions going against them due to the inability of the ref to keep up with the pace. Eventually, after a torrent of world class “encouragement” from Coach Wright, Hawks scored what turned out to be the winner. Final score 17-12.
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Good stuff from the Pigs who if they had an extra sub or two would have won the tournament. Hawks had plenty of skill and pace but our boys were definitely the better rugby players.
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IAL
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watsoniansrugby.com
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Published: 5/8/08
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