Mar
16
By Chris Evans
Boroughmuir 2nd XV 20, Glasgow Hawks 2nd XV 13
A Friday evening and another game for the Boroughmuir 2nd XV. This week the Magic 2’s were at home to Glasgow Hawks, with the aim to not only complete the double against their opponents but to build on last weeks solid win away to Currie.
There were a number of changes once again this week. In the forwards, Bordere Liam Mitchell replaced the injured Richie Battson at blindside, Lynton Brinck earned a start in the second row and there was also a 2nd team debut for the Under 18 hooker Lewis Robinson. With Graeme Blackhall in the 1st XV squad, Chris Evans was more than happy to replace him at stand-off after playing in the unfamiliar position of wing last week. There was also a welcome return on the wing for Chris Whitelock.
The game kicked off in great conditions and it was clear from the outset that both teams were here to play rugby. Hawks shaded the opening quarter, despite ‘Muir having the majority of possession. Some loose kicks were fielded well by the pacey Hawks back three on a number of occasions, which led to some dangerous counter-attacks. The ‘Muir cover defence was strong though and they frustrated Hawks to just one penalty kick.
As the half wore on, ‘Muir began to put together some good phases and had the bulk of territory and possession. However, they were guilty of a lack of composure in the Hawks twenty-two. Shortly after captain Rory Scott had drawn his side level with a penalty kick, the ‘Muir forwards found themselves camped on the Hawks try-line and after multiple phases looked to be finally wearing the away side down. However, Hawks were able to force a turnover and their backs ambitiously ran it from their own line. Their full-back nearly ran the length of the pitch but was bravely brought down by full-back Stuart Currie. But with support on hand, the number 15 was able to offload for Hawks register the first score. The Hawks nine kicked the conversion.
The 2nds were well aware that they were still capable of winning the game and continued to dominate the second half. The two Liam’s in the back-row, Mithcell and Black, were carrying the ball well, while their back-row partner Jo Whitworth was his usual destructive self in defence and at ruck time. It was however, a piece of individual brilliance from lock, Lynton Brinck that got ‘Muir back into the game. The South African took a ball from scrum-half Harry Fenton and broke the first line of defence with a powerful charge. He then showed great pace to make his way towards the try-line and with only the slight full-back to beat, Brinck Lomu-ed over him for a score under the posts. Evans added the conversion.
The half-time score was an evenly poised 10-10. Coach Neil McCallum was reasonably happy with his sides efforts in the first half but pressed for more composure in attack.
Early in the second half, ‘Muir lost wing Cammy Leask due a sniper shot to his hamstring. He was replaced by veteran back Derek Murray, who looked to get involved at every opportunity. There was also an early introduction in the second half for Gordon Pearse who replaced the impressive Jamie Scott, who had picked up a knock.
With these re-enforcements ‘Muir continued to enjoy a lot of possession, but were always mindful of the Hawks dangerous counter-attack. The 2nds did score a crucial second try mid-way through the final forty minutes. A trademark line-out catch and drive from ten-meters out was expertly controlled by the pack and the immovable object that is Paul ‘Bus’ Richards dived over for the score. The kick was converted by Rory Scott.
Soon after, both sides traded penalty kicks but it was ‘Muir that looked most comfortable in the last quarter of the match. This was due in part to some assured performances from both the young and old players in the team. Billy Blyth, age now unknown, was excellent throughout and his replacement Andrew Wildgoose continued the good work at set-piece and in the loose. Likewise, young Lewis Robinson had a very solid game and in the closing exchanges was replaced by Darren Miller, who with first team experience now, showed great maturity and leadership.
The 2nds felt they should have added to their try tally but a combination of good rush defence from Hawks and poor decision making meant that they had to settle in the end for a 20-13 victory.
Every player for the Magic 2’s played their part today. However, the standout forward was Jo Whitworth who tackled everything that moved and helped slow down and turnover Hawks ball. In the backs, Harry Fenton bossed his forwards, kicked well and also looked dangerous when he sniped around the rucks.
Special mention must go to long-serving physio, Fiona Sutherland who was on hand for her last home game before she sets off on her trip to North America. She will be missed but still has her duties for an away game and another treasured bus trip!
Next week, the 2nds play Ayr and will look to inflict revenge after a defeat earlier in the season.
15. Stuart Currie, 14. Cammy Leask, 13. Rory Scott (c), 12. Richie Sievwright, 11. Chris Whitelock, 10. Chris Evans, 9. Harry Fenton, 8. Liam Black, 7. Jo Whitworth, 6. Liam Mitchell, 5. Lynton Brinck, 4. Jamie Scott, 3. Billy Blyth, 2. Lewis Robinson, 1. Paul Richards
Subs: Derek Murray, Stevie Harris, Darren Miller, Andrew Wildgoose, Gordon Pearse
