Big Semi-final win for U16s in the East Cup against Boroughmuir

Linlithgow  30 -19  Boroughmuir

Report by Paul Junik

Saturday 22nd March saw Linlithgow U16s take on a strong Boroughmuir side keen to sweep Linlithgow aside and progress to the final.

The first ten minutes of the game was an edgy affair with both sides using their forwards to run strong attacking lines or their backs putting boot to ball to test the nerves of each others back lines.  However it was Linlithgow who settled first with a penalty kick to make it 3-0.  However, Boroughmuir responded very quickly scoring at the other end with a swift and accurate passing down the wing. The try was unconverted 3 – 5 to Boro.

Linlithgow responded quickly pilling on the pressure at every opportunity and not giving Boro time to settle, with ball secured by the forwards the backs were able to attack from deep and Ali Burns showed his pace as he sweep past his opposite number and in for the score.  The try was converted by Thomas Junik to make it 10 – 5 to Linlithgow.  But Boro weren’t done by any margin and competed for every scrum and line-out.  

A mis-kick by Boro saw Linlithgow return the ball quickly into the Boro half and the ball spread wide to Alfie Robertson on the wing, who backed himself but had to work hard in the tackle to get the ball down in the corner.  The conversion was missed but it was 15-5 and Linlithgow was building a bit of a cushion.  With the half drawing to an end more Linlithgow pressure exposed a gap in the Boro defence, enough for Finlay Mackenzie to  squeeze over.  With the try converted by Thomas Junik it was 22-5 to Linlithgow at the end of an exciting half of rugby.

The second half started with some tense and hard hitting encounters Linlithgow front five player putting in a shift with the back row trio running their socks off chasing the ball down.  The huge defensive effort from the Linlithgow backs was continuing to keep the Boro out.  However, Linlithgow defence was finally broken by a robust Boro attack and try which was converted and brought the score to 22-12.  Linlithgow responded with another try from Finlay Mackenzie which was unconverted.  27-12 Linlithgow. With time ticking down – Boro pressure saw them score a further try which was unconverted 27-19.  The last 5 mins was a tense affair with both teams looking for  further scores, however, Boro weren’t able to convert pressure into a points and a penalty from Thomas Junik well within range saw Linlithgow draw away to 30-19. And that was how it ended.

Player of the match was Finlay Mackenzie for his two tries and strong running in the loose.  However, this was the strongest team performance that the coaches had seen all season and it needed to be to overcome a strong Boroughmuir side.  Credit needs to also go to the whole squad and all of the players that have played throughout this campaign. It is unfortunate that we can only select 22 players for the final. Next up Gala Red Triangle in the final!