The boys have been back in training for a few weeks now but while we have not had full numbers there has been a bit of enthusiasm as we started to gather momentum at the end of last season. The boys are aware they can play but still have a lot to learn. There is a lot of work to be done mostly to do with game shape, cooperation and coordination while some individuals need a bit of coaching on the tackle area. So on to the first game of the season, ding ding round 1.

Changes to the game this season for the boys, supporting jumpers in the lineouts, 8 man scrums, drop kicks on all restarts, played over 3 periods, 2 periods for the game and 1 for development, game score at end of 2nd period, all games are freindlys.

Livingstone arrived at Hawthornden on a near perfect day for rugby, our numbers were short and with the late withdrawal of Lewis due to an injury received the day before this put us down to 12. Thanks and apologies to Livvie as they brought a big squad so a few of them did not get much game time. So the team that ran out today were Harry, Max and CameronM in the front row, Lewis and Duncan in the 2nd row and Harry#2 covering in the back row. And for the Backs we had Captain and scrummie Cammie supported by our new fly half Sean providing ball to Chris and Grant in the centres with Kool Ben and Luke covering out on the wings. The lads were given a light warm up with forwards and backs splitting and trying to get their game heads on with the experience of David Mcfeate leading the forwards through the lineout and scrum warm ups.

The game started with Lasswade receiving the Livvie kick off and with good intention Duncan took the ball on towards the visitors who quickly closed him down to compete at the ensuing breakdown. Livvie looked drilled in this area as they came in to contest the ruck. My heart sank a little as I recognised the situation where we would loose ball at ruck time and the oppo would canter up the line to score an early try, but it did not happen. What was this, Lasswade players competing at ruck time as if they were enjoying it, as if they knew what to do, backs and forwards, they must be training in secret, we have not done this in training yet! It was great to see and I thought to myself this is going to be a good game. There was a lot of decent rugby on show from everybody, both sides. Both teams were lacking in shape so it was a case of how far can we go before were brought down, pick it up and go forward again as there was little to see of any back lines. As usual at this level the rucks are untidy with player not paying attention to where they put their feet so the ball came trickling out time after time putting the scrum halfs under pressure so they could not get clean tidy ball. Over half way through the first half Lasswade were awarded a penalty close to the left touch, this they used to there advantage and kicked from hand to get a good bounce of the ball and the lineout 5m from the oppos try line. From the throw dynamic Harry taking ball and drove over the line with a Livvie player trying to prevent the touch down but Harry rolled over for a Lasswade try, no conversion. The boys were clearly happy at their efforts as I was but the next few minutes would be important as we have a tendency to let things happen that should not, ie let in a quick slack try. This did not happen and again I was struck with surprise as we stayed with the game to offer our visitors a contest. We closed out the first half leading the way and with the second half approaching I wondered how we would fair against fresh legs coming off the Livingstone benches.

The half time team talk was positive and basically it boiled down to do as you have. The second half was under way and almost from the first breakdown, through a wee hole a livvie player appeared with ball surprising everybody with a burst of pace and a change of direction he was off and from about the half way line he finished about 10m left of the posts for a breakaway try, no conversion. The game was pretty much like the first half with small breaks but mostly good ole up the jumper type stuff. A short few minutes later Lasswade found them selves in the visitors 22 driving forward towards the posts, Duncan picked up the ball and with great effort drove to within a few metres of the line, stopped by 2 or 3 defenders, he went to ground awkwardly but managed to squeeze the ball back for Chris who burst through to pick up and with an equal effort drove the ball and 2 other defenders over the line for a good forwards try, converted. The game did fizzle out a little as more scrums and free kicks were awarded for knock ons and not recycling ball at maul time. So the game ended 2 tries to 1. The 15 min development period was a similar affair with a lot more stoppages and scrums while the visitors breaking through a couple of loose tackles to score 2 tries.

The game was very close, either team could have won, down to a coin toss or a refs decision. Livvie were a bit niggly and a few times we reacted and I moaned at he boys not to get involved but I was reminded that it aint a bad thing that they can and are willing to face up to bigger guys and that they will stand up for each other, its part of rugby its part of life. Both teams played a similar type of game because of the standard they are at so it will be interesting to see what happens when we cross swords again. Home advantage maybe?

The scrum was good today as was the lineout, as they were last season. Still much to do as the physical aspect of lifting (I mean supporting) has not been mastered, Harry being central to the success of this. A couple of notable moments through the game for me, seeing Sean and Chris being carried along by their large opponent in their effort to bring him down, Grants great rip’n’dip as an attempt to keep him up but great technique allowed him to get to ground and promote the ball for his team mates, and Kool Ben planting is feet and dropping his hips to make great near last man tackle on his opposite number. Capn Cammies finger wagging after a minor altercation between a Livvie fist and Chriss face. The kick from hand to touch was good gaining territory and we can see if we are strong in set piece this tactic will pay dividends.

Good all round performances today namely from Duncan Chris and Sean while excellent commitment from Harry#2. Duncan had great go forward attitude picking up many balls and taking it into contact well. Chris did what hes known for, he has an eye for the ball which served him well today and today he was in good form tying up the oppo ball carriers resulting in turnover ball, good in contact, strong over the ball and always a nuisance around the rucks and breakdown. For me the man of the match goes to Sean. Hes a new player, only his 2nd game and given the responsibility of playing at stand off. I put him there because we don’t have a 10 and though he is weak in his passing and game sense he is committed to the idea of the game. Never gives up and is strong in defence. He made a few last man tackles today and stopped more than one coming through, he went forward at times and gained some yards. He did get involved in too many rucks for a 10 but taking into consideration lack of game shape the boy dun good and got involved because he thought it was needed, Well done.

I am happy for the boys for today they at times looked as if they were playing for each other which is an important aspect in any team sport, particularly rugby. More importantly the have definitely continued going forward in their development as rugby players, as young men.

Andrew