Peebles U14’s  (42, 54) 71 – 26 (5, 19)  Linlithgow U14’s    

Saturday 21 March 2026

Report by Alan Hunter

Spring had most certainly sprung as we made our way down to scenic Peebles. Blue skies, light winds and the grass was immaculate, just a pity it was artificial. Unfortunately, the team weren’t aware of the surface in advance, so mostly turned up in rather longer than required studs for the speedy surface. The next curve ball was the physical size of some of the opposition. A few of them certainly wouldn’t have looked out of place in an under 18’s team. The Young Reds sized them up, as they walked by onto the playing surface but without a care; it was game on.

“MumsChat” gave up some information that Peebles had heard about our defeat of Gala the week before and clearly had their A team on for the first third. With 10 subs sitting in the wings it was to be a tough hour for the travelling team who only had half that number in reserve and a team made up of a mixture of S2’s and 1’s. Peebles with a Henry Pollock doppelganger at the helm were made to work harder than they would ever expected for their tries and certainly pound for pound we gave as good as we got. Logan C and Archie started the big hits in defence and within a minute Rory had to make a try saving tackle, however after sustained pressure they eventually barged over the line from the forwards as they simply went through the phases. Peebles conversion kicking was excellent throughout the game, which aided the scoreline. 

Straight after the initial score Max at stand off done a bit of ducking and diving meandering towards the line, leaving Lucas to finish the move with a 5m drive for a well-timed response. Although Linlithgow were making good runs when the opportunities presented themselves and tackling very well, the physicality of the opposition began to tell, as did the fast-paced game, which was being let flow by the referee. The only real respite came from when the ball was punted into the adjoining pitch from our penalties and had to be retrieved. Peebles were in quick at the breakdown and winning the ground battle and that possession allowed them to be comfortably in the lead by the whistle which blew after 20 minutes but felt a lot longer to players, coaches and parents.

The boys re-grouped after the huddle and came out like they were starting a fresh match, not one they had in essence already lost. The tenacity of the players, along with exceptional discipline got them back into the game. Peebles had made changes and it was apparent that it had been many of the same players who had been substituted that had been their battering rams, as the teams were now much more evenly matched. We went on to win the middle third of the game 14 to 12. Our first try came from a run to the 22 from Logan C who somehow managed to stay inside the touchline, although the home team planned on evicting him with great force. Rory took it on and fed Lucas for another penetrating run, which sucked in the defence. Logan P playing at prop released a spin pass that any 9 would have been chuffed with, through Max and Blair’s quick hands to Finlay on the left wing with not only time to make the line but to get in behind the posts for a forwards combining with backs masterclass. Peebles back line was starting to look out of shape for the first time and Linlithgow sensed they were competing again. Ruaridh saw a chink in the armour and made a dart for the line, with Tom and Brodie running strong in support that was only stopped due to an infringement from Peebles that could well have been an advantage. 

We got another breather but for the worst possible reason, as Rory had to be carried off after having his foot stood on in the bottom of a ruck from one of the larger Peebles players. The next try came just after the break from Jay’s usual quick thinking as he found the initial gap. Struan pushed on, then it was Lucas taking a high hit to stop him just sort of the try line. Logan C getting the ball a couple of meters out never needs reminded what his job is from there.

The team were out on their feet going into the final section of the game but the positive mindset remained, as Callum’s super-human runs were still making ground and motivating his team that one last try was achievable. From a penalty it was Scott riding low to the ground that powered over and as Nathans conversion sailed over the final whistle blew.

It was a bruising, character building encounter with collateral damage to many of the players but although defeated on the day there was a sense the team had learned some lessons and will return even stronger.

POTM was Finlay who was blistering in attack and showing improvement in his defensive role.