Linlithgow U16 50–12 Lenzie U16

There was a real sense of excitement around Mains Park on Wednesday afternoon as Linlithgow U16 took to the field for their first Cup game at this age group.

Heavy rain throughout the day meant conditions were always going to play a part when the game kicked off at 2.30pm. After a difficult Conference outing at the weekend, the message from the coaches was clear. Start with intensity, understand your job in those opening minutes and build momentum from there.

The boys responded superbly.

The opening exchanges were understandably scrappy as both sides adjusted to the wet ball. A couple of early knock-ons brought scrums, but those quickly demonstrated one of Linlithgow’s biggest strengths on the day. The pack established themselves early, providing a powerful platform and allowing the home side to get on the front foot.

Lenzie responded to Linlithgow’s opening score and the sides were level early on, but from there Linlithgow increasingly began to take control.

Gregor finished well in the corner as the handling improved through the centres, before Charlie used the strength of the scrum to power over from number eight. The forwards continued to carry strongly, but importantly Linlithgow also began to show a real willingness to move the ball.

One of the most encouraging scores followed a strong carry from Euan. The ball was recycled quickly and played through the hands, creating the space for Finlay Love to finish out wide before running the ball in under the posts.

That combination of forward power and good handling became the story of the first half. Cameron powered over following another excellent passage of team play, while Charlie continued to make ground with some powerful carries.

Linlithgow’s work at the breakdown was also a major positive. The boys secured their own possession efficiently without overcommitting numbers, while competing hard over Lenzie ball and creating a number of turnovers.

At scrum-half, Jack Stuart played an important role in dictating the pace of the game. His work rate and tackling were excellent throughout, while his quick, accurate distribution helped Linlithgow play with tempo and make the most of the platform being created by the forwards.

There was plenty to like across the rest of the backline too. James Rae was a strong presence through the centre and helped create one of the standout attacking moments of the afternoon. After collecting from the restart, James helped move the ball through the hands before Campbell was released into space. Campbell still had plenty to do but showed excellent pace and power to finish from distance along the wing.

Up front, the front row continued to set the tone. Wilson Anderson was particularly prominent, combining a huge work rate with powerful, relentless carrying that repeatedly put Linlithgow on the front foot.

By half-time Linlithgow had established a commanding advantage, but more pleasing than the score was the manner of the performance. The intensity that had been asked for before the game was there, the breakdown was functioning well and, despite the difficult conditions, the boys were looking to play rugby.

That continued into the second half.

A well-won lineout provided the platform for another strong attacking passage, with Linlithgow showing patience, recycling the ball and eventually creating the opportunity for Finlay to cross again.

As the game progressed, the strength of Linlithgow’s carries continued to create mismatches and space out wide. Mason Ewing was rewarded with a try on the wing after another strong passage of play, demonstrating what the side could produce when the ball was moved quickly into space.

Credit to Lenzie, who continued to compete throughout and enjoyed a strong spell towards the end of the game. Their persistence was rewarded with a well-worked score from close range before Linlithgow had the final say, with good work from Mason creating the opportunity for Archie to finish the scoring.

With the SRU scoring cap applied, the official final score was Linlithgow U16 50–12 Lenzie U16.

Player of the Match went to Wilson Anderson, who epitomised much of what was good about Linlithgow’s performance. His work rate was outstanding throughout, combining real power with relentless carrying and consistently getting the side on the front foot.

The result was obviously pleasing, but the biggest positive was the response from the squad. After Saturday’s difficult test, the boys were challenged to raise their intensity and they did exactly that.

There was real power from the pack, excellent work around the breakdown and some very good rugby when Linlithgow were patient and moved the ball through the hands. There is still plenty to work on, particularly making even better use of the space created by those strong carries, but this was a significant step forward from the whole squad.

A great first experience of Cup rugby and Linlithgow U16 march on to the next round.