Linlithgow 41 – 12 Haddington
Saturday 31 October 2026
Report by David Mitchell
Photos courtesy of Graham Black and Jonathan Cruikshank
Beautiful playing conditions greeted the teams in the last Arnold Clark National League Division 4 fixture before a 4 week break for the Autumn Internationals. The sound playing surface made for a real feast of running rugby and the large crowd were treated to a fine match. Murray Johnstone was playing his 50th game for the 1st XV and proceeded to play his usual high standard of rugby. Ewan Curran returned from injury and made a positive impact with his aggressive style of play.
The opening exchanges were very one sided with the visitors scoring 12 points in the first 7 minutes of play. However, the home side did eventually gain some possession and territory and were soon on the hunt for scores of their own. The opening try came from a lineout in the Haddington 22 metre area when, after Kyle Ormond found Fraser Mochrie with a pinpoint throw, Jamie Tulloch emerged with the ball after a forwards’ drive to score the try. Murray Johnstone added the extra points.
The next try arrived soon after when a great line out catch by Euan Mochrie at full stretch led to the ball being moved along the back line. Ewan Curran came off his own wing to straighten the running angle and then fed Ruaridh Stewart (pictured above courtesy of Jonathan Cruikshank – Haddington photographer) who dived over the line to score. Murray Johnstone added the conversion to give the home side the lead.
Haddington responded with a period of pressure in the Reds’ 22 metre area, but some very solid defence kept them out and with the last passage of play in the half, the Reds scored a 3rd try. The visitors tried to run the ball out of their own 22 but spilled the ball which was quickly gathered up by the Reds and after they made a few charges at the goal line, full back Ross Tulloch burst through the last 2 tacklers and scored behind the posts. Murray Johnstone added the 2 points to make the half-time score 21-12.
Disappointment for Haddington as Ross Tulloch breaks through for a try
A brilliant response to going 12 points down early in the game provided the large home support with a scoreline that seemed unlikely after 7 minutes of play. Calum McKeown replaced Colin Devlin just before half time and Alfie Muir came on at the start of the 2nd half.
It was the home team’s turn to get off to a flying start in the 2nd half, and they scored a further 3 tries in a devastating 10-minute spell. The Bonus Point try came after flanker Euan Mochrie set off on one of his trademark gallops up field and when he was eventually tackled, he off loaded the ball to Alfie Muir. The forwards then took over and produced nice set up ball which went through several pairs of hands with Ruaridh Stewart sending Ewan Curran over in the corner.
Within a few minutes, the home side stretched the lead with another try from Ross Tulloch. The powerful scrummaging of the home forward pack led to Archie Rusack being able to flatten the Haddington number 10 and the dislodged ball was gathered up by Ewan Curran. He was stopped just short of the goal line, but Ross Tulloch was on hand to score the try.
The 6th home try of the day came from a line-out, some direct running from forwards and backs, and with Mark Caddle diving over in the corner to seal the try. By this time, the visitors were visibly frustrated with not being able to handle the Reds’ attacks, and they were keen to claw back a score or two. However, the Reds were equally keen to keep them at bay and this was very evident with some cracking tackles, with special mention for Alex Hall and Ruaridh Stewart who both put in some thunderous hits. Not to be outdone, Euan Mochrie dragged his tired body back to the home goal line where he prevented a certain try from being scored in the shadow of the posts.
Euan McCartney and Kai Hunter came off the bench for some game time and there was still time for a final flourish from the Reds. They won a penalty in front of the posts and after going through many pairs of hands, Ross Tulloch was sent over the line for his hat trick try to round off another fine individual performance.
Final score: – Reds 41 – 12 Haddington
Reds Team
Front row: Andrew Graham, Kyle Ormond, Colin Devlin, Andrew Graham
Second row: Eioan Magee, Fraser Mochrie
Back row: Euan Mochrie, Jamie Tulloch, Mark Caddle
Half-backs: Archie Rusack, Murray Johnstone
Centres: Aidan Rennison, Ruairidh Stewart
Back three: Alex Hall, Ewan Curran, Ross Tulloch
Subs: Alfie Muir, Calum McKeown, Kai Hunter, Euan McCartney
Comment
A fine result after a poor start. Haddington began like world beaters and the signs were ominous for the Reds, but they not only won the match but did not concede a single point after the 7th minute.
Overall, a good performance with several outstanding efforts from backs and forwards. The scrum again proved to be a potent weapon and the lineout performed well. The front five are all very experienced and have added some slick handling to their basic chores. The back row is a well-balanced unit with Euan Mochrie, Mark Caddle and Jamie Tulloch all contributing in terms of dynamism, power, guile and energy.
The backs are still developing partnerships as well as all making their own individual contributions. Ross Tulloch is scoring tries for fun and continues to accept more responsibility at full back. The half backs are developing their partnership as are the centre pairings. The wingers run hard in attack and defence and look focussed on ball retention as a major piece of their role as well as developing offloading skills.
All in all, a team on the up after 8 games of the season.
This result puts the Reds in 6th position in Division 4 but with a game in hand (v Whitecraigs). The next Division 4 games are on November 28th but the Reds will be in Cup action on Saturday 14th November versus Peebles with a 1.30pm kick off.
