U16s dare to dream as victory at Dollar sets up National Schools Cup Quarter Final

Dollar 10 – 26 Linlithgow U16

Wednesday 09 October 2024

Report by Malcolm Dunn

Wednesday the 9th of October saw Linlithgow’s U16’s travel to Dollar in the last 16 of the Scottish cup. This group of players has by any measure shown over the last few years they are a force to be reckoned and the last 16 in itself is huge achievement. However their success has always come with the caveat could they really perform against the top tier of Scottish rugby. Dollar having beaten Merchiston, Loretto and Edinburgh Accies and losing to Stu Mel by only 1 point so far this season certainly confirm they dine at the top table. This match also including travelling away and so would finally answer that question…

The Reds arrived at Dollar to dry but windy conditions and a huge reception as the bus drove up the driveway at lunch break, this even included walking in to sound of bagpipes. The pitch itself was nicely prepared with a stunning backdrop although slightly smaller than a first team pitch limiting space and inviting a physical battle.

We adopted our usual cup routine which involve a pitch walk and few non rugby games to settle any nerves (mostly for the coaches) then into the industrious business of run throughs contact readiness.

Two very determined looking teams lined up to face each other Dollar to kick off playing down the hill. It was a bit of miss fire and actually blew backwards leading to a Reds scrum. After a couple of phases Dollar pressure saw us going backwards, however they had strayed offside and we returned for the penalty which Joe pushed deep into Dollar territory. The next 10 mins saw the Reds throw the kitchen sink at Dollar. Finlay Mac, Angus Mathews, Greig and Cameron all heavily involved as we executed great structure with wave after wave of attack. While we made metres we couldn’t find the killer offload or incisive break out wide despite great control and communication from Joe and Thomas. It was though great to see that the Reds were there to play and not die wondering. It was also clear it was going to take something special to unlock this white wall of defence and that’s exactly what came next. After several good carries Thomas surged forward from 10 into the 22, Angus Mathews picked immediately from the tackle and was brought down inches away. Quick ruck ball saw Joe miss two out to Alex who was wide on the left but he too was felled with in metres…the ball again came back and a clever  slip pass gave Thomas time to kick cross field pin point to Alfie waiting right on the right touch line and finally the damn burst. Thomas then knocked over an outstanding conversion 0-7.

Another extended period of cat and mouse ensued from the restart with the Reds having the best of the pressure. Duncan and Ali Burns moving the ball well and testing defences but again these were strong. Liam and Cameron were also making notable contributions in the front row both at set piece and the loose. After all the bludgeoning mixed with moments of subtle interplay, it was a Dollar mistake at the line out that allowed Ewan to thunder threw a disorganised defence from 30 metres touching down under the sticks, again Thomas added the extras 0-14.

The third try again required something special to unlock Dollars resolute defence. After a series of phases again with some busting metres and offloads from the forwards taking the Reds deep into the 22. Joe’s on the money pass gave Thomas time to see Dollar were stretched and back pedalling and a well placed grubber allowed him to recover his own kick in goal 0-19.

That’s how it ended at half time, a couple of changes to bring some energy off the bench saw Callum Dow on for Cameron who had had his best half of rugby this season Alexander on for Liam who had really kept Dollar on their toes with some great pick ups from the base.

The next score everyone knew was crucial and with Dollar reenforcing their supporters ranks with the whole school as lessons finished it was an absolute dog fight for the upper hand in the first 10 mins. In the end is was Fraser who made the difference not through his usual powerful running but following a turn over, he looked up saw space out wide and threw a beautiful pass  to Thomas creating a two on one. With only one pass to give and Ali burns in the wide outside hearts stopped in the coaching box but the pass duly arrived in Ali’s hands and he cruised away from the defense and in under the posts. In fact the only person who looked like they might keep up was Paul as he ran down the line cheering him on! 0-26 dream land.

The Reds scoring ended there and if being fiercely critical fatigue set in, our execution waned and we failed to exert further control. This is likely a symptom of not playing often at this level and is something we must consider for the next round. Dollar were a good side and they showed that coming back with two scores. What was pleasing though was in the last 10 dispite hugh pressure the Reds kept out a further score and spared the traveling contingents nerves!!!

Scott, Finlay Mullen and Ecktor made important interventions in that period Scott with a wonderful exit kick probably his finest and at a critical moment relieving a period of intense pressure. Finlay for two important tackles one into touch to break up Dollars attack. Ecktor brought on fresh energy relieving a battle worn Greig. We also lost Joe midway through the second half half which gave Max a fantastic opportunity to come on and show how much he contributes with a seamless transition and some great decision making to help bring the team home.

This weeks man of the match is almost impossible to call huge performances from the whole team. Special mentions to Fraser W for playing a full game after being sick in the week and having a big impact. Ali B was immense in defence and supported by Duncan bike up attack after attack, he also took his try excellently. Thomas’s variety in defence and attack including two critical moments for two tries. Euan and Cammy had huge games and brought an intensity Dollar couldn’t match and lastly our very own Maximus (had to get a gladiator reference in there) was Angus M. From the VEO he was involved in everything, huge carries tackles, setting up structure and his never say die attitude even when he hurt his ribs. So in terms of man of the match the coach’s are abstaining and award it deservedly to the full team!

A special mention at the end to Elliot and Angus who were in the squad and were brilliant in their positivity although not getting any meaningful game time (starts guaranteed next conference game).

This was an incredible performance, we knew we had the talent but this performance backed it up with desire and teamwork. Nothing summed it up better than exhausted bodies strewn across the floor in the post match team talk, hardly even able to speak but the smiles on the faces said everything.

The boys should be incredibly proud of their performance yes some amazing individual contributions but it was the collective full team effort that was greater than the sum of the parts. They have firmly put themselves on the map and are now part of a conversation every u16 rugby player in the country wants to be part of…4 weeks before the next round eight teams left and for 4 more weeks of daring to dream…