Strong first half performance helps U16s overcome a tough Musselburgh side

Musselburgh  19 – 47  Linlithgow U16

Saturday 26 October 2024

Report by Malcolm Dunn

Saturday saw the Reds U16s travel to Pinky park to face Musselburgh, a tantalising clash against a team who were sitting second in the table.

We know Musselburgh well from recent seasons and we expected a tough examination against a very competitive and physical outfit.

Conditions were good although with low sun at our backs and plenty of moisture on a plush pitch. Reds found themselves with good territory from kickoff and immediately began offensive duties that saw the ball worked through several phases before some neat passing released Alex E. down the right wing to open the Reds account and Thomas knocked over a booming conversion 10 yards in from touch.

We warned of complacency before the game but there were still a few sleepy heads that lead to some missed tackles in the face of determined Musselburgh running and they sneaked in the corner to take the scores 5-7 undoing the good work for the opening try. That said this seemed to be the jolt needed and it was only a few minutes later that Ewan reversed the trend and went over for the Reds second score again Thomas was on the money 5-14.

Musselburgh as we have come to know and respect never lie down and it wasn’t long before some good running from their centre created problems in our defense and again a high tackle in the act of scoring lead to a penalty try taking the score back to just two points 12-14.

This team though has learnt a lot this season and a deep kick followed by sustain pressure from Cammy, Fraser Elliot and Angus C saw Musselburgh cough up a scrum in their 22. Finlay needed no further invite a burst of pace from the base of the scrum saw the Reds pull away to 12-21 after Thomas added yet another excellent kick. This seemed to kick start the Reds who started to control the phases and the play. Duncan was coming into the ball at pace and Alfie was often on the should. A clever kick down field provided more territory and a few phases later it was big Greig who rumbled over, guess what Thomas kicked the points…12-28. Two further scores in the half from Ali B and Ewan effectively ended the contest and the half finished 12-40. Ali B showed us what top speed looks like and it’s fast…

The second half saw a lot of changes with Alfie moving to fly half, Joe replacing Max who was struggling with a calf but had had a strong showing as starting 9. Micah had another valuable half of rugby with Alex K and Connor replacing him and Fraser. Jaden and Kieron also made appearances. Tom came in for Elliot and Angus T left the field after a valiant effort to stay in the first half with sore knees. The scores in the second half were limited to just a penalty try for the reds and a 7 pointer also to Musselburgh to finish 19-47.

Make no mistake this was not an easy game and the Reds did well to eventually get their noises out in front and then overrun a committed and sizeable Musselburgh team. Special mentions this week to Jaden who was great on the ball almost getting two scores. Connor and Cameron for good games and getting dressed in record time in the absence of an alarm clock. Alex E for a debut at full back. Thomas for arguable his best alround display at 10 this season particularly given his goal kicking. Man of the match this week though goes Greig he was made of steel from the start and only ever gives 100%. This raised the levels around him and he well deserved his try…