Linlithgow 2s  19 – 41  Stewarts Melville 2s

Saturday 24 January 2026

Report by Graeme Miller

On Saturday the 2nd XV took on Stewart’s Melville at home on Upper Mains Park and the home side started really well though keeping procession, running plays and making lots of ground. However, this didn’t mature into any points and unfortunately StewMel started gaining some ball, resulting in the rest of the first half being a little one sided. The visitors scored 4 tries, 3 conversions and a penalty without reply with the home side slipping tackles, allowing StewMel break-outs which they capitalised on. Despite this Linlithgow battled well especially at scrum and line-out times. 

The line-out functioned very well throughout the game

0-29 at half time.

As the second half started the home side came back through Neil Lockhart’s try coming from some great handling through close quarter play within the forwards. Murray Johnstone converted. The game swung back toward the visitors after this and they scored a further try with the conversion making it 7-36. With this even bigger hill to climb, Alex Hall stormed down the wing to score in the corner after a great set of phases from both the pack and the backs which showed StewMel we weren’t finished yet. 

Alex Hall goes over in the far corner for the Reds 2s second try

The best was still to come though. Our forwards powered up the pitch and after numerous phases our super sub, Graeme McCallum powered over the line from – he can talk you through the distance – right at the corner flag with Murray Johnstone brilliantly slotting the kick. 19-36. This finishing score was slightly tainted when StewMel broke a few tackles and ran in a late try on the final whistle. 19-41 to a well-deserved travelling opposition.

Graeme McCallum crosses in the corner and Murray Johnstone slots the conversion

Overall, it was great to see our young players meshing well with the more seasoned, experienced players and running plays which broke the gain line numerous times. With a little more support and structure during second and third phase play we will definitely start to score more tries. Thanks everyone for their efforts.

Proud coach with his charges!