The Linlithgow P7s gathered on a soggy Academy pitch on Sunday to take on Stew Mel Lions for their first match of 2024. Linlithgow’s last competitive game was way back on 26^th November where they had earned a well-deserved away victory at Falkirk.

The referees whistle sounded for the first of three short games…… and the rain started.

Game 1

Linlithgow 1 – Stew Mel Lions 6

As expected Stew Mel started strong and caught Linlithgow cold with some good running rugby and after a short spell of sustained pressure went over for the first try of the day which was closely followed by a second within the opening 5 minutes. The Lions positioning and ability to regroup was proving difficult for Linlithgow and it was clear they were very well drilled in and around the ruck. After a tug of war in the centre of the field and numerous scrums, the Lions went on to score a 3^rd and 4^th try.

With the conditions getting worse, Linlithgow fought on and were rewarded for their efforts with Jay winning a turnover in the centre of the field. The ball was passed to Finn C who made good ground before being brought down. Max was quickly in place to form the ruck, Jay scooped up the ball and managed to slot a silky pass to Joe. With a pirouette that Craig Revel Horwood would have been proud off, Joe managed to wrong foot his opposite number and slip past into space, gaining ground and momentum, he stretched over the try line as the Lions closed in around him and scored Linlithgow’s first try of the day. 

Linlithgow’s tails were up and there was some good interplay between Abi, Blair, Logan, Brodie and Fin C who ran fearlessly into the Lion pack with some good off loads.

Undeterred Stew Mel ran in two more tries, despite some excellent tackling from Tom, Brodie, Callum, Nathan, Finlay H and Finlay McD. 

Game 2

Linlithgow 1 – Stew Mel Lions 4  

After a short team talk, Linlithgow started the 2^nd game positively.

When the going gets tough, Callum gets going!   Eying the gap Callum gathered the ball and made a searing run along the wing, slipping through the clutches of the Lion pack and proved too strong for the waiting Stew Mel defenders at the corner by placing the ball over the line to claim the 1^st try of game 2.

With some positive play from Archie, Cameron and Finlay McD it was clear that the Lions were going to have to up their game. Unfortunately for Linlithgow the Lions seemed to find another gear and ran in 2 tries in quick succession, the second as a result of a deft side step that caught Linlithgow napping.

Linlithgow advanced on numerous occasions with Jay coming very close to a solo try. The pressure imposed by Linlithgow was starting to tell as Stewart Melville resorted to kick clearances much to the dismay of their coach pacing the side line. With the Lions reverting to what they do best – running rugby using the width of the park,  it wasn’t too long before they scored 2 more tries to win the 2^nd game. 

Game 3

Linlithgow 1 – Stew Mel Lions 5

As the final game started it was encouraging to see both teams benefitting from clear constructive refereeing around the ruck and scrum positioning.

With Linlithgow keen toshow the Lions what they were made off, it wasn’t long before Fin H’s quick hands fired a pass to Nathan, who adeptly side stepped the advancing Lions player, and swiftly fed the ball to Rory who sashayed away towards the try line and put the festive growth spurt to the test by stretching over the line for a well worked Linlithgow try. 

The optimism from this score was short lived as the Lions ran in 5 tries in quick succession, in rapidly deteriorating conditions.  The final whistle was welcomed by all players and supporters.

It wasn’t quite the joyous return to rugby that we had all hoped for and nobody ever likes losing but there were positives. Post-match, the Linlithgow coaches stepped back and encouraged the P7 squad to form a huddle and reflect on the game. It was heartening to overhear positive statements emerging from the huddle including –“next week we need to” showing real maturity and a desire to go again. The team are developing and are aware that mistakes made are lessons learned. Roll on next week!