Outstanding away win in Cup for Reds U16s
HS of Dundee 19 – 59 Linlithgow
Wednesday 4th September 2024
Report by Malcolm Dunn
Wednesday 4th of September was no ordinary day it was a day Joe Withnell had been waiting for his whole life….a chance to play for Linlithgow in the Scottish cup…
In fact it was a day the whole squad had been looking forward to, mostly as our trip to play Dundee High School in the cup required an early leave from school but it was also a chance for this group of players to show what they could do.
We arrived on Tayside in patchy sunshine and drizzle but being greeted by a beautiful flat wide freshly lined pitch. Nerves were starting to show so we walked the pitch and played a few games to lighten the mood before running through our pre match preparations.
We didn’t know much about Dundee, but they looked well organised with a large pack and had an ex international as their coach. To this end we talked about starting well and using our game plan.
We received the kick off and the next 90 seconds was a joy to behold with a series of carries from Ewan, Angus M and Fraser leading to the ball moving wide for Alex E to sweep up the touch line into the 22. A quick offload took us closer still before we swept left and Ali B found an isolated front row who was no match for his fast feet and he flew in under the post for our opening score. Thomas added the extras and it was a dream start.
The next five minutes although some bright moments saw a few small mistakes creep in and suddenly a loose ball was seized on by Dundee and a sharp stepping winger finding some space and setting up a team mate to even the scoring.
Under the posts the boys resolved to tighten things up and from kick off our offensive defence soon lead to rewards and a few mins later it was Alex E on the end of pass after a good break from Scott, who dotted down wide on the right following some great ball retention from the forwards, with Alexander and Daniel prominent in the loose. Thomas added a beautiful fading touch conversion.
Our third score came from the hard work the forwards had put in on the training ground. A line out maul gave us momentum sucking in defence allowing Joe to scamper into the far corner.
The next score was important to open up some day light and Joe was quick to spot Ewan reverse our attack up the left blind side who then connected with Finlay M, who galloped 40 metres before being dragged down. The ball was quickly recycled with Ali McC and Greig covering 40 metres to provide support. The Dundee defence was stretched and Duncan powered over for our 4th score.
There was time for one more before half time. Cameron M, who had come on for Callum D who sustained an ankle injury early on in the match, had already had some important interventions, but showed too much energy for the Dundee defence and he broke through for a crucial score. Half time 7-31
The second half saw further a further 4 scores, through Thomas, Angus, Alex E and Fraser. The champagne moment went to Alex E now known as the ‘patron saint of lost causes’ after he chased a penalty kick to touch from Joe that dropped short, but landed into Alex’s outstretched hands before he raced 50 metres to touch down under the posts.
This game was another step up from our first two outings in terms of performance with the full squad contributing – Alfie, Angus C, Alex, Angus T, Max and Elliot all coming on making sure we continued our momentum and shape. Our structure and cohesion was much improved as was our decision making. There is also though much still to work on with a disappointing penalty count and gaps in our defence at times which will all need to be looked at for coming tougher games.
The boys enjoyed a well earned bus trip home with spirits high and the squad in full voice, it will take some time for the coaches to recover their hearing and any residual love of Adele …