Linlithgow 15-12 Berwick

Saturday 18 November 2023

Report by Nick Smith

This week saw a return game against Berwick.  Although they kindly offered to host us, the game was scheduled to be played in Linlithgow and we held firm. There will be other opportunities to travel 3 hours each way to play south of the border and we will take them when we have to. Given the heavy rain overnight, and during the week it was with some relief that we were allocated the top pitch, although even this usually pristine pitch was a bit boggy in places. 

However as the boys came out to warm-up the skies dried and a few optimists claimed to see a glimmer of sun behind the clouds. Our previous encounter with Berwick had been a tough game, but they had arrived with only 14 players which meant we played without a back-row player. This made it a very different encounter. Today’s game was between two fully charged teams and we knew this would be our toughest game of the season so far.

We won the toss and chose to kick off. The ball went straight to the biggest lad on the pitch who relished the opportunity to put us under pressure. This first encounter left us in no doubt that this was not a game for the faint hearted. Berwick piled on the pressure, taking us on up front and making ground mainly through their fly half and combative forwards. Our scrum also came under immense pressure – this was a new experience for us as it is usually so sturdy under the stewardship of Daniel and Fraser. When we were able to get our hands on the ball we found ourselves unexpectedly knocked back in the tackle at times. We knew we would have to get to a new level to compete with what was in front of us.

This is exactly what the boys did. A turnover saw Joe almost break through down the left hand side of the field and we began to put together some phases of play. Jay also took the ball nicely from Alfie and set off on a jaunt of his own until a crushing tackle put pay to his morning. With captain Ewan off for a blood injury, Elliot found an early opportunity to get onto the pitch. This marked something of a turning point for us and we began to settle into the game as we moved the ball through the backs and make ground. However it wasn’t long before Berwick were back on the attack. At this point Scott made one of his three (by my count) try saving tackles. As the last man in defence he knew his job and timed his hits to perfection. Rory also did well to kick and clear the lines on a couple occasions; one in particular where our scrum put in a momentous effort to turn Berwick over.

Despite our strong defence the first try went to Berwick and this was probably a fair reflection of the game up to this point. They kicked ahead from a penalty and we failed to deal with the loose ball. Before we knew it they were on to it, scooped it up and were over the line.

At this point our heads could have gone down but as we know the team is built of sturdy stuff. It was our time to come back at them. A scrum gave us possession in the middle of the pitch. Rory took control, grubber kicked ahead and a nice bounce saw the ball spring up into his arms. He then fed the ball out to Hugh who whilst taking a big hit from his opposite number off loaded to Scott who continued the move. We were starting to get some phases together and it was clear we were worrying the Berwick defence.

Eventually our try came. Angus T made a break up the left hand side taking the ball into contact. Following the ruck Rory went blind, combined with Angus T again who put Joe in to score. 

Half time and the score was 5-5.  It was all on the second half.

We began this half with much more composure. Our pods of forwards carried the ball well into the heart of the Berwick defence. Finlay and Chris making good ground in particular, and backed up by Greg. Whether it was conscious or not the boys knew they had to play the game in Berwick’s half of the pitch and Rory made some fantastic kicks which both relieved the pressure on us and heaped it on our opposition. Thomas also came into his own stepping in a fly half at times and acting as a second distributor. The loop move between Rory and Thomas worked time and time again giving space to others to have a go or to kick for territory. Angus T got his hands on the ball on a few occasions and through this move made good ground, with some aggressive runs. His follow up to one of Rory’s kicks saw him drive his opposite number into touch ensuring we held the ground that was made by Rory’s big boot.

Soon our pressure began to tell and following a line-out in their 22 Thomas saw his opportunity to pounce. As they looked to put it through the hands, Thomas saw all too easily what was coming. He timed his run to perfection, intercepted and dotted down. Rory’s conversion made it 12-5.

Berwick were not be out done and they came back at us. Some strong tackling from Alexander, Fraser, Daniel, Chris, Elliot and Angus C saw us hold firm. However they were a strong team and knew how to play. Eventually our defence was breached and they were in for their second try and the conversion made it 12-12.

This left us with 15 minutes to play and with plenty to play for. A big tackle on their fly half by Ewan saw Thomas steal the ball. He fed Daniel who found himself on the end of a tip tackle. The penalty was awarded to us and Daniel can rightly claim an assist here. Rory stepped up and cool as the proverbial cucumber slotted the ball over the posts for the three points. 15-12 with still plenty of time to go.

The boys then kept themselves in the Berwick half and did as much as they could to stop Berwick playing their own game. A couple of our attacks saw Berwick needed to touch down behind their own line, and on another day we might have got a better bounce from the ball to score. However we held out eventually winning what was a very tight game.

Our team spirit this morning was incredible. The grit and determination that every boy showed in those last 15 minutes to keep Berwick at bay was inspiring. However a few mentions have to go to Chris for his tackling and strength with the ball in hand. It was incredible how he managed to stay on his feet despite the attention of 3 or four defenders at a time. Angus T was immense. His hard running on the wing was difficult for Berwick to deal with and his defence meant that none was getting passed him. On a few occasions his tackling meant to we held on to territory making Berwick play in their own half. Rory had a great game and really came into his own in the second half. His kicking from hand and the tee kept us in the game and his ability to release others into space put us on the front foot. Player of the match this week goes to Scott. He was a tower of strength at full back with three clear try saving tackles. His positional play meant he was a constant threat and he also found himself making ground himself when given the opportunity. Sadly he wasn’t able to finish the game though have been blasted into touch falling awkwardly on his shoulder. We all wish him well and a quick fix to his collar bone.