Down Inverleith Way 4
MEET THE SENIOR 2nd XV (Sorry -Development XV!)
On a glorious sunny afternoon, and with the 1st XV undertaking the arduous journey to Newton Stewart (based in Wigtown, an even longer journey!), the 2nd XV took centre stage on Pitch 1.They entertained Currie and in a spectacular festival of running rugby emerged as victors by 49 -24. The men from Balerno have encountered a propping crisis and the advent of uncontested scrums meant that there was more energy for both sides to indulge in some adventurous handling. The visitors scored the first and last tries but in between the RBG were generally in control. Nevertheless, they were never able to relax and the fact that both teams scored try bonus points is indicative of the enterprise that was on display.
It is early days, but there is
encouragement from being at the right
end of the league table, and heartening that there are obviously players capable of challenging for places in the 1st XV. When the news filtered through from Bladnoch Park that the Senior 1st XV had ground out a 12-0 win the mood in the clubhouse was in stark contrast to the “doom and gloom” of the previous week.
The 12 hour door to door trip is somewhat of a challenge. The saving grace for our travelling Vice-President
was that the two closest buildings to the pitch were the Bladnoch Inn and the Bladnoch Distillery – in his words close to heaven! Gordonians (from Aberdeen) and, indeed, Newton Stewart in reverse are going to find the distances a challenge, and all power to the their arm and enthusiasm for being willing to invest the time in pursuit of league rugby. The club looks forward to welcoming both at Inverleith!
As to the game itself, the RBG pack were generally in the ascendancy with the backs providing an impenetrable defensive wall. A general feeling was that a try bonus point should have been possible but that a trip to Dumfries and Galloway (Newton Stewart and Dumfries Saints) is going to be a test for any team. Two points of particular interest were Stew Mel had a Murchie on either wing (Sean joined by younger brother Scott) whilst in the middle of the pitch both teams missed a kick from in front of the posts! Watch out for Kevin Murchie’s match report. A warning! Nobody has to mention to President, Simon Breeze, that the home team filmed the match from a drone hovering above the pitch.
With this result the RBG have moved up one place to 7th in the table. It is perhaps interesting to note that the 3 teams directly above (including Newton Stewart) have not won as many games but have accrued points through the try bonus system. Next week would be a good time for clicking into attacking gear especially as the opponents, Peebles, are riding high with 4 wins out of 4 (Inverleith 3p.m. kick-off). The 2nd XV also have a stern challenge as they are scheduled to meet Hawick Force at Mansfield Park.
Edinburgh Headway Group aims to empower and enrich the lives of adults who have survived an acquired brain injury. They do this by providing high quality person-centred rehabilitation services which supports both adults with brain injuries and their carers.
After the Rugby World Cup Lunch at Prestonfield House, Stewart’s Melville RFC is proud to donate £16,850 to help them to continue their superb work at Craigmillar.
The older College teams had disappointing results against Merchiston. The 1st XV managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. A deserved win was foiled when poor game management saw them concede a penalty in front of the posts, and a gleeful visiting kicker could hardly believe his luck as he slotted the award for a final 14-15 scoreline. The 2nd XV and U16A teams disappointingly lost equally narrowly by 14-19 and 7-12 but to redress the balance there were wins at U16B, U14 A and B, U13 A and B with the U15 game ending in a 14-14 draw. All the results were very close and there was some great rugby on show from both schools.
Next week George Heriot’s provide the opposition. Time to go but look at these happy RBG supporters. Why not come and join Bob and Bobby on the touchline?
