Linlithgow  62 – 19  Howe of Fife

Saturday 23 March 2024

Match report by Malcolm Dunn

So to the final match report of the season….

It’s a very rare opportunity for a team to have an unbeaten season but the Young Reds arrived on Saturday in exactly that position. The season has had some fantastic rugby with some tight games and incredible team performances and all we needed was one more!

Howe of Fife arrived having brought the sun from Fife and conditions on Upper Mains Park were near perfect apart from a stiff a breeze. From the kick off it was Howe of Fife who looked the brighter of the two sides after an early mistake gifted them possession and territory. They were aggressive and direct and forced the opening score within a couple of minutes (0-7) – had they not got the memo?

The Young Reds though hit back fairly quickly with Duncan beating a few would be tacklers and scampering in from 20 metres and Alfie knocked over the extras (7-7). The nervous and expectant crowd settled at least for a moment, but again it was Howe of Fife who hit the lead with a second score (7-12).

The Young Reds were struggling to fire and looking a little slow at the breakdown. It was going to require someone to step forward and make something happen, this person materialised in the 6ft 5inch shape of Ali McC who seized the ball and used both speed and physicality to force his way over starting well outside the 22. This really upped the intensity and was just what the Young Reds needed. Although we still lacked a little cohesion we created a number of good opportunities which allowed Thomas to notch up two scores and Joe neatly finished tight to the corner flag before half time (33-12).

The second half saw the Young Reds score quickly through Finlay M with a great piece of solo running and you might have expected the Howe of Fife to roll over, but it was them who scored next bringing us to 38-19. Howe continued to mount pressure and came

close to narrowing the gap further but for some resolute last ditch defence.

The last third saw Linlithgow turn the screw and close the season in style, with some great rugby and much more cohesion. Finlay M scored another cracker this time from the right wing. Thomas picked up his hat-trick and also a bagged a stylish action photo complete with flowing fringe. Duncan not to be out done also completed his hat-trick with a great long range finish after Alfie created space with his trade mark double pump and step. Final score 62-19.

It was great to see the whole team contribute. Connor, Fraser and Cameron made their debuts as a starting trio and played well. Fraser came on and put the scrum on the front foot. A huge mention to Aiden who made his well deserved starting debut. Gregg and Daniel gave us real physical presence as the ‘enforcers’ in the second half. Elliot and Thomas completed the back row and popped up all over the pitch. Euan raised our energy levels as always when he came on.

Joe had a strong game with a great tactical kick and also a great finish in a tight space. Alfie ran the back line well and knocked over some great conversions. Finlay and Duncan as a centre partnership scored 6 between them with Jay, Angus C and Angus T, often getting their hands on the ball and combining well to keep moves going which might have broken down. Another big mention goes to Ben who made his debut on the wing and got a few runs with the ball. Scott had a cracking game at full back on both sides of the ball and was unlucky not to get a try of his own.

Many contenders for man-of-the-match but this week it goes to Joe for several key interventions at key moments.

Well, that’s the wrap. It’s been an incredible season but we knew that. There have been so many highlights, with tight wins against Berwick and Musselburgh in the conference and of course that come back against Peebles! But what really matters is every available player has been involved in every game and they have all developed so much since the start of the season. This has been critical at times with injuries and availability to give us the depth we needed to be competitive. We started the season with around 20 players and we finish with 25-26 and with 9 selected for the East Region Player Development Hub.

This is a very special group, they work hard in training there are no egos and they play for each other but have plenty of fun along the way. The support around them is fantastic and it was great to see so many of parents and grandparents and family on the touch line over the season whatever the weather! An unbeaten season is very special but no more than they deserve and something tangible for the efforts that no one can take away…the smiles in the photo at them end say it all! So the only question left to answer is “what goes on the tee-shirt?”

The 9 players selected for the player Development Hubs are:

Ali McCorkell

Duncan Hughes

Ewan Smith

Finlay MacKenzie

Finlay Mullen

Fraser Willoughby

Joe Whitnell

Rory Dunn

Thomas Junik