Stewart’s Melville U16 33 – 45 Linlithgow U16
Linlithgow U16 produced arguably their best performance of the season so far, coming from behind at half-time to secure an excellent 45-33 win away to a strong Stewart’s Melville side.
After a weekend off and plenty of hard work on the training pitch, Linlithgow started brightly. The physicality was there from the opening exchanges, with some strong tackles, good work at the breakdown and the forwards immediately putting pressure on the Stew Mel pack.
That early dominance was rewarded when Charlie Doga picked from the base of the scrum five metres out and powered over in the corner for the opening try.
Stewart’s Melville grew into the game and showed why they are such a well-drilled side. They were quick to punish missed tackles, finding space through the middle and out wide to score a number of tries.
Linlithgow continued to play some excellent rugby of their own, with Finlay Love and Matthew Keith both crossing to keep the Reds firmly in the contest. Despite arguably having the better of the structured play, Linlithgow went into half-time trailing 26-19.
The message at the break was simple. The attacking structure was working, the forwards were on top and the opportunities were there, but Linlithgow needed to tighten up defensively and be stronger in the tackle.
The response was outstanding.
Linlithgow raised the intensity and took control of the second half. The forwards were tremendous at the breakdown and increasingly dominant with ball in hand, while the front row in particular put in a huge shift both at scrum time and around the park.
Charlie Doga was unstoppable from close range, adding three tries in the second half to take his tally to four for the match. The platform provided by the forwards allowed Linlithgow to take control and turn a 26-19 half-time deficit into a commanding lead.
At 9 and 10, Jack Stuart and Finlay Hogg distributed the ball really well throughout, giving Linlithgow the platform to keep playing with width and tempo. The boys provided options around the ball and recycled possession well, allowing them to build pressure rather than forcing opportunities.
There was also a big impact from Bailey Law off the bench. He brought real tenacity in attack and defence, carrying strongly and producing some excellent tackles as Linlithgow looked to close out the game.
The final Linlithgow score came after a powerful run from Gregor Wells down the wing. Gregor broke through before releasing Finlay Hogg, who finished the move under the posts.
Stewart’s Melville scored with the final play, but it was not enough to deny Linlithgow an excellent 45-33 away victory.
Player of the Match went to Matthew Keith, who capped a dominant front-row performance with another huge display in the scrum, at the breakdown and with ball in hand.
It was a fantastic team performance and a real reflection of the work the boys have put in over the last few weeks. The forward pack continues to build, the attacking structure is developing and, when the intensity is there, this group has shown the level of rugby they can produce.
Back-to-back away wins in Edinburgh against Watson’s and Stewart’s Melville show just how far this group has come this season. Two tough places to go and two really strong performances. The boys are growing in confidence, playing some excellent rugby and showing what a good team they can be when they bring the right intensity.
Next up is another big challenge, Merchiston Castle away in the second round of the Cup on Wednesday. The boys go into it with confidence and a strong platform to build from.
