Linlithgow 2s 47 – 15 Panmure 2s
Saturday 02 September 2023
Report by Ian McLean
Photos by Neil Dori-Muir
The Reds 2nd XV season kicked off on a beautiful autumnal day with Panmure the visitors to Lower Mains Park. Thanks to them for picking up the fixture at late notice due to Rosyth Sharks calling off mid-week.
The early minutes of the match were dominated by Panmure, following some poor communication, and tackling by the Reds and this led to a close quarter try scored by their No 8. (0-5)
The Reds rallied quickly and soon put points on the board. A typical Cammy Walker bullish run saw him beat several defenders and rounded the full back to score. Try converted by Stephan Smith. (7-5).
Further pressure from the Reds saw Panmure trying to play out from their own 22 but some good tackling and a brilliant rip from Euan Curran gave the ball to Linlithgow and quick hands sent Shaun Lamb in for the score. Converted by Stephan Smith. (14-5)
Linlithgow continued to dominate possession and territory and that pressure saw the Reds pouncing on another Panmure mistake and Eddie Beamish, crossing for try. Converted Stephan Smith (21-5)
The reds next score came from a quick tap penalty and some good direct running allowing Shaun Lamb to be released to score his second try. (26-5)
HT
Panmure started the half well and put the Reds under pressure and again scored a close range try through some effective pick and drive. (26-10)
Linlithgow rallied and again the play was mainly in the Panmure 22. Some good phase play saw Linlithgow camped on the 5m line and after several attempts Aiden Mochrie managed to sidestep the goal line defender for his first senior try. Converted by Cammy Walker (33 – 10).
Another quick tap saw Stephan Smith making a great break beat 2/3 defenders and he timed a perfect pass the Luke O’Hara on the half-way line and he out sprinted the defence to score. Converted by Cammy Walker (40-10)
The last 10 minutes saw Panmure rally, playing their best rugby with some good handling which found a gap in Linlithgow’s defence for the outside centre touch down. (40-15)
Linlithgow were not finished. A turnover on half-way and good handling saw Alex McHardy beat the last defender to romp home for the 7th try. Converted by Cammy Walker. (47-15).
Great first outing for the Reds 2nds, thanks to all players especially those who played out of normal positions. Congratulations to the those playing their first senior game and lets see as many of you at training in the coming weeks.
Linlithgow Rugby Club 