Feb
09
Conditions under foot were soft but just dry enough you would expect the ball to be shifted around the park.
Unusual to figure out what game plan each team would employ, as this season similar styles have been adopted by each team.
Clapperton opens the game by putting on the gas to get around the outside of his man, with space to use, he draws the marking winger and passes to Rob Cairns for the run in Try. Conversion missed and the scoring in the first 5 mins starts at 5-0 Muir. A solid start from Muir, something missing from previous games, usually taking some time to build up.
Muir start to find space on the outside and set the intention to use the generous width at Meggetland. This proves advantageous when Dundee anticipates a wide move off a ruck leaving a massive space beside the ruck for Sam Johnson to dart through and score under the posts.
After a brief show of pressure from Dundee, a resulting knock on gives a scrum in Muir's 22. Quick ball out to Leonard and a def cross field kick is picked up by Sep Visser charging on. With momentum behind Visser, he opts for the chip kick landing just short of the try line, but Visser sliding in at pace takes him over for the try.
Dundee recover using a line out from a penalty to get them on the Muir line, the first drive in is held up over the line. Dundee have the form in the scrum and at this point opt for a scrum when given a penalty. A solid driving scrum gives a near certain try but it is just held out by Muir. A knock on from Dundee relieves pressure for Muir with Johnson clearing up the field. This only delays Dundee's attack, putting more pressure on Muir, but on this occasion choosing to take the 3 points to get their day underway.
Counter attack from a missed Dundee clearance sees Cairns attempt a chip through only to have a Dundee forward drop a lazy shoulder into his chest. The resulting yellow card giving Leonard a shot at the posts and taking the 3 points.
The tides turned late in the 1st half with the Dundee scrum being pushed off the park. This gives the chance for Muir to use the resulting penalties to take valuable real-estate off Dundee. Another powerful scrum pushes Dundee back to their line and allows Johnson another try.
The 1st half has seen some classic Muir rugby. With the sideline cheers from the past Muir Rugby Greats, confidence is high.
Dundee pick up a quick try in the 2nd half from a freakish line out indecision that saw players standing looking at the ball,if not for a witty Dundee player to walk through and dot down.
Something with Dundee today, nothing seems to be going their way. With the small knock ons and clearing kicks not making the distance, it has been open season for Muir to counter attack. Leonard and Visser again combining well, Visser climbing high over his opposite, from a Leonard cross field kick to unleash Clapperton for an easy run in. The fans here today, spoilt for show-case rugby from Muir.
The game closing out with intercept try from Steve Wilson, good reward for his hard work today. Dundee picking up 2 late trys. Frustration setting in for Dundee, from the little mistakes, boiling over in a bit of 'off the field' play.
Over all, Muir will be happy with this performance, showing dominance in all aspects of the game. Our forwards where all over the park and left Dundee chasing from ruck to ruck. Guedroudj, Visser and Cairns playing so well off the direction and authority that Leonard provides.
Next week will see Melrose visit Meggetland.
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