Match reports by our special correspondent Sharon McDavid

Linlithgow  26 – 7  Dumfries

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, and all the families were waking up to an hour less in bed and a rugby game to attend. The grounds at Lower Mains Park were soft and muddy underfoot as all 3 teams made their way down to prepare for the battles ahead. 

A positive start by the S1 Young Reds saw Max’s kicking to be strong and accurate followed by the team chasing for the ball. Archie’s tackles at the start and throughout the game showed grit, determination and strength. Lucas showed strength in his legs and powered through a strong drive gaining ground towards the Dumfries try line. Some strong play by the reds saw Max make a quick pass to Archie who skilfully slipped through a space and sprinted to the opposing try line to score directly under the posts. Nathan stepped up and converted Archies try with confidence and accuracy. 

With the first converted try under the Reds’ belt, the boys had a thirst for another. Some great communication between Jack and Logan during the throw in allowed the Reds to make quick and succinct passes which allowed for the ball to find its way into the hands of Callum who would give Usain Bolt a run for his money. Another try to Linlithgow directly under the posts. This time Max stepped up to the challenge converting Callum’s try and making the score a nice 14-0.

The Reds were now full of confidence and working hard as a team showing clear communication and accurate plays. Dumfries had come strong players on their side which made for a good re-inactment of the David and Goliath story. 

Further excellent play by Finlay and Brodie allowed for the ball to be passed to Archie who scored the 3^rd try for Linlithgow. The team powered on taking the scoreline to 19-0.

A kick by Max and a superb chase by speedy Finlay saw the Reds power up the field passing the ball to an eagerly awaiting Scott who ploughed down to the tryline with the ball in hand and carefully placing the ball down adding a further 5 points to the score board. This was then converted by Max taking the score to a fabulous 26-0.

Dumfries, undeterred by the 26-0 scoreline against them, came back strongly with some good passing and determination which allowed them a successful converted try taking the scoreline to 26-7.

The final few moments saw an impressive tackle and summersault performed by S2 Abi and some stupendous passing by Logan, Brodie and Jack (S2). 

Linlithgow  26 – 19  BATs (Broughton, Edinburgh Accies, Trinity)

After getting a well deserved rest and having the opportunity to observe their next opponent the S1 Reds prepared for a strong game against the BATs’ team.

The S1 Reds started strong with some good passing between Rory, Callum and Jack. However, an early scrum to BATs allowed them to regain possession and sprint to the Reds Try line. Callum, hot on their heels, tackled the BATs’ player just before the try line. 

Tensions were high amongst the Reds players who began to lose their form against BATs consistent and accurate passes. However, even with some excellent tackles made by Archie, Struan, Joe, Rory and Finlay, this did not stop the try that BATs made. Their 10 was unable to convert due to a rugby post being in the way. 

Some good coaching and counselling by Reds Coach Mikey spurred the boys on to keep their heads high. A strong pass from Blair followed by a speedy run from Callum and excellent communication between Archie and Struan made for an excellent rugby recipe. 

The Reds were growing eager to get another try under their belt. A scrum to the Young Reds meant that Blair had a strong pick up and go, passing to Scott who made headway towards the BATs tryline. An offload by Scott, which saw Max hand off an eager BATs player allowing Max to dive over the try line giving the Young Reds their first try of the game. This was skilfully converted by Rory taking the score to 7-5.

With the ball kicked high into the air the BATs boys caught this with ease and ran towards the half way line. A string of stinging tackles by Calum, Archie and Finlay saw a knock on from the BATs and a scrum to the Reds. Quick passing and Rory receiving a solid tackle allowed Calum to find an open space and get another try on the scoreboard.

Strong coaching from the sidelines by Coach Ritchie bellowing ‘press’ which resulted in the Reds running towards the opposing team #asone. The referee blew the half time whistle just in time for some substitutions and further inspiring words of wisdom by Mikey and Ritchie. 

With both teams desperate for another try, the game was becoming intense to watch. Some frustration from the BATs team was evident in regard to the referees decision making. Because of this, a penalty was given to Linlithgow. Archie made use of this penalty and whilst attempting to regain the ball managed to tackle two BATs members at the one time, thus knocking them to the ground and popping the ball to Callum who sprinted across the tryline. A super conversation by Nathan added on the 7 points that we all wanted. 

Some speedy play by both teams and excellent tackling by Rory, the BATs’ team were working hard to regain their composure. With some excellent and consistent passing by the BATs boys it was making it incredibly hard to regain possession of the ball. The BATs boys were consistent in getting the ball out to the wing and eventually after some consistency and resilience they scored and converted a try taking the scoreline to 19-12.

With BATs hot on the Reds heels they were desperate for another try. Another quick try to BATs saw the scoreline set at 19-19. 

Next up, it was the Reds turn for a try. With a lot of scrambling for the ball, eventually Scott managed to regain possession and proceeded to run with the ball in hand with 5 BATs players attached to both legs, he skilfully passed to Callum who made head way. With support from the 3 S2 players, Abi, Jack and Mason, Joe managed to get possession of the ball and score a strong try skilfully converted by Rory. 

With the referee glad to be blowing the full time whistle and all the players and parents looking knackered to say the least it was time for some strong supportive words from Coach Mikey.

“The team put so much commitment and heart into that game and they annihilated their opponents. I am proud of all the boys, so much so I have lost my voice.”