U16s come out on top in arm wrestle of a game against Melrose

Linlithgow  14 – 7   Earlston HS / Melrose

8 February 2025

Report by Paul Junik

Saturday brought Melrose to Mains Park for the final Reds fixture in Group D of the East Cup. This was the third cup game for the U16s in eleven days after frost and Storm St Ewowyn had affected the previous scheduled dates.

From the off you had the feeling that this was going to be a tight game. The two teams were evenly matched with very little to separate them. Early pressure was all Reds but resolute defence by Melrose meant no way through and once Melrose got their hands on the ball it was Reds turn to defend. This set the tone for the rest of the first half with the “ebb and flow” between the two teams ‘22s but with no one quite able to break the deadlock when they did get into the red zone. 

Starting front row of Cameron, Liam and Micah were made to work for every ball, ably supported by Daniel and Greig in the “boiler-house” of the second row. In the back row,  Calum, Cammy and Finlay Mackenzie were everywhere – and they needed to be as Melrose had some very useful ball carriers. Meanwhile, the backs weren’t having it all their own way. Thomas at 10, marshalled the backline being fed by Max at scrum half.  On the outside Alfie and Duncan were trying everything in their arsenal to breach the Melrose defence. Alex Evans, Jayden and Finlay Mullen completing the backline. Every one of them was made to work their socks off! 

However, before we knew it the half time whistle went (0-0) and everyone was able to take a collective breath, including the sizeable crowd who knew they were watching one heck of a game. The second half saw the arrival of Reds equivalent of the “bomb squad” in Fraser, Alexander and Alex Kerr.  Tom Diamond had made an early appearance as sub for Cammy who had taken a knee to the face. In the backs Joe was making his first appearance at scrum half in 2025 after injury and Scott and Elliot came in on the wings.

Finally on the 50 minute mark the ball made its way into Finlay Mackenzie’s hands, and a quick side step and “foot on the gas” saw him leave his defenders for dust. 

The try was quickly converted, 7-0. However, from the restart Reds were soon under the cosh. A turnover at the line-out 20 metres out from the Reds line and some swift and accurate passing saw Melrose cross for their try, which was converted. At seven points apiece this was going to be a nail-biter of an ending with about six minutes to go. 

From the restart the Reds had Melrose pinned back in their ’22, however an infringement by Reds on the floor gave Melrose a penalty five metres out from their line and about 10 metres in from touch. Instead of kicking it Melrose took a quick tap and the ball went through the hands. Fortunately for us  the third pass was spilled forward.  Quick to react, the ball was scooped up by Thomas who wasn’t stopping for anyone and crossed for the second Reds try, which he converted to make it 14-7 with two minutes to go. And that was how it finished.

Hats-off to Melrose who came to Mains Park and showed that they wanted to play rugby and there was very little to separate the two teams. Yes, it wasn’t pretty rugby at times and certainly felt like an arm wrestle for most of the game, but fair play to both teams who stuck at it for the whole 70 minutes. 

After the game, special mention needs to go to the Melrose player who entertained those left in the clubhouse with his rendition of Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” on the karaoke machine.

In a tight game like this one, it is hard to pick out one single individual as man-of-the-match. Both the forwards and backs threw everything into this game both in attack and defence. The forwards battled it out up front against a well drilled Melrose pack, with lots of heart. Cammy, Calum and Finlay Mackenzie having a superb game and Finlay getting his well deserved try.  In the backs, it was great to see Joe and Finlay Mullen back to their battling old selves. However, as a coaching team we agreed that this week’s man-of-the-match goes to Thomas for his defensive efforts and quick thinking, turning defence into attack to score the second try.    

All the boys can be very proud of what was a tight win against a decent Earlston HS / Melrose side. With this win, it means we will top Group D and will play the runners-up in Group A