The first half started well when Lasswade collected the ball straight from kick off, secured possession and set up a platform for the ball to be fed out to the backs allowing Scott S to break through the Livingston defence for the first try of the campaign.

Livingston then forced their way up field but ‘Swade defended their lines admirably. The forwards were able to turn over the ball and good attacking running allowed ‘Swade to advance up the pitch before Daniel Sh handed-off on his way over the line for a second try. Cameron stepped up and slotted the conversion through the posts. Lasswade leading 7 – 0.

Again from the restart, Livingston forced their way back up towards the Lasswade line, and after sustained pressure their efforts were rewarded with a touchdown on their right wing. Lasswade’s defence caught out at that moment as they left their blind side unguarded.

It was very encouraging to see this side keep their shape in that the forwards were creating the platforms from which the backs could attack. This was demonstrated again straight from their restart when Logan charged forward making ground and well supported by his fellow pack members, John M in particular, for the ball to be laid off to Scott S and then Daniel Su who jinked past three players to offload the ball back to Logan who duly scored Lasswade’s third try.

Unfortunately, Livingston lost a couple of players though injuries but they refused to lie down. Straight from their restart again they attacked the Lasswade defences. Good tackling from Daniel Sh and Daniel Su halted their progress and Euan was able to latch on to a loose ball and charged up field into the Livingston half before running into traffic. He kicked the ball on for Arran to collect, supporting well, and passing it back inside to Daniel Sh to go over for his second try of the afternoon.

Both Tony and Fraser put in useful tackles for ‘Swade to gather the ball again. Also, encouraging play by Menno, Scott C and Cameron augured well. Secured by the forwards, they drove forward before allowing the ball to be passed out to team captain Scott S for his second try after strong running through three defenders.

A very confident performance by Lasswade in the first half saw them post a 16 – 3 lead.

Lasswade made a number of personnel changes for the second half. However, their determination was the same and it wasn’t long before ‘Swade added to their tally. As Livi advanced, Daniel C ripped the ball from their possession, made a lot of ground and then passed into the hands of fellow forward Euan for a converted try.
Again Daniel C was in the thick of it from the restart by ripping the ball off Livi. Local shop-keepers beware! Again he had the vision to swing the ball straight out to the backs for Scott S to go over for try number seven.

Lasswade’s confidence grew as the match progressed as Alessio and Thomas S showed good running and handling skills. Livingston’s injuries were beginning to pile up by now, so Tony came on to bolster their front row. Alas, even with Tony, Livingston couldn’t stop the tide of red jerseys. Right away, ‘Swade again turned over the ball which saw them stream up field for Daniel Sh to finally cross the line for his third. Conversion successful.

Lasswade then fell guilty of switching off which allowed Livingston to run straight up the middle of the park to advance on the ‘Swade line. Poor tackling allowed them an open door to underneath the posts. The conversion pinging off the upright.

A number of new recruits this season has helped to bolster the squad. One of which, Thomas A, was instrumental in setting up Lasswade’s final try of the afternoon following good driving work and offloading to Euan for his second try. Cameron duly stepped up and converted. Jamie is also a welcome recruit, after his two year sabbatical.

Again Livingston kept at it, not giving up for a minute. Despite stout defending by Lasswade, however, Livi got their just rewards by crossing over at the death after a number of useful phases.

Well done to all the players for good collective rugby and for their initiation onto the full pitch. A big thanks to Livingston boys and coaches for playing so well and respectfully.

Final score: Lasswade 31 v 9 Livingston

Again, thanks to the referee, and Simon – match reporter – and photographers Susan and Phil.